KILLARNEY ADVERTISER WK06 06.02.2026

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Mayor calls for social media ban to protect Killarney’s youth

The Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, has issued a stark warning regarding the "toxic environment" of social media, calling for an outright ban on the platforms for children under the age of 16.

In a rare move of political agreement, the Independent councillor confirmed this week that he "strongly agrees" with recent proposals by Tánaiste Simon Harris to introduce strict age-based restrictions. The Mayor, who is notable among public representatives for not using social media himself, described the digital landscape as a primary driver of a growing mental health crisis. Mayor Grady argued that the constant connectivity of smartphones means that for many Killarney students, harassment and peer pressure are no longer confined to school hours.

"Social media has become a major driver of cyberbullying," Mayor Grady stated.

"For many young people, bullying no longer ends at the school gate; it follows them home and beyond. This constant exposure can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem."

The Mayor also highlighted the misleading nature of "curated" online lives. He noted that formative years are being damaged by young people comparing their reality to the "perfect lives" portrayed online, which he described as often being nothing more than a captured,

The call from Killarney’s first citizen comes as the national conversation around digital safety reaches a fever pitch. Last week, Tánaiste Simon Harris described the impact of social media as being "on the verge of a public health emergency," comparing the need for age limits to existing laws governing alcohol and nicotine.

The Tánaiste's comments in Croatia, where he met with other European leaders to discuss similar restrictions, suggest that Ireland may follow countries like Australia, which recently moved to implement a world-first ban for under-16s.

A recent Ireland Thinks poll for the Sunday Independent confirmed the scale of the issue, revealing that 52% of people in Ireland feel "addicted" to their phones,

while 22% admit to spending more than five hours a day on their devices.

Addressing potential critics of a ban, Mayor Grady insisted the proposal is not about punishment or censorship but is a necessary safeguarding measure.

"It is about giving young people the space to grow, mature, and develop real-world social skills without the constant pressures and risks that come with online platforms," he said.

While acknowledging that enforcement and digital literacy present significant challenges, the Mayor concluded that the "benefits far outweigh the negatives."

"Doing nothing is no longer an option," he added, urging the government to move beyond age-verification pilots toward a definitive prohibition for the under-16 age group.

Frank Coffey announces surprise return to High Street

It appears that retirement did not suit one of Killarney’s most familiar faces.

Less than four months after closing the doors of his long-standing High Street store, Frank Coffey has officially announced that he is making a comeback to the local retail scene.

The popular businessman, who has spent nearly forty years fitting shoes for generations of Killarney families, revealed that he found the quiet life difficult to adjust to.

”What can I say, only I miss all my customers and friends in Killarney," Frank said.

“So I have decided I am not retiring now. I will be back in March to meet my customers and friends; I missed you all so much.”

The news comes as a major boost to High Street following Frank’s reluctant decision to shut up shop last September after 37 years in business.

At the time, he cited the rise of online shopping and a lack of government support for small retailers as significant challenges facing the sector.

His departure last October resulted in a flood of tributes from past customers ranging from local residents to Hollywood star Michael Fassbender

From the yard in MD O’Shea’s to the TG4 Stage

Kerry has a new reason to tune in as local country singer Paudie Coffey steps into the national spotlight on TG4’s much-loved series Glór Tíre

It is believed that Paudie is the first person from County Kerry to compete on the show, a hugely popular Irish-language country music competition that showcases rising country talent alongside some of the biggest names in Irish country music.

By day, Paudie has worked out of sight in the yard at MD O’Shea’s, where he has been based for the past seven and a half years. By night and most weekends he has been travelling the length and breadth of the country music circuit, performing alongside his father, Mike Coffey, with whom he has been playing for an impressive 11 years.

Paudie smiles when he recalls how it all began. At around 15 years of age, he was sitting at home when his father asked what he was up to.

“Nothing much,” Paudie replied.

“Grand so,” said Mike, “get your guitar and come help me with a gig in the Avenue.”

That simple moment marked the beginning of a journey that continues to gather pace.

When asked how far the music has taken him, Paudie’s answer says it all:

“Anywhere from Beaufort to Spain.” Spain, as it turns out, is no exaggeration.

Last October, Paudie was invited to perform on Jimmy Buckley’s Craic on the Costa in Torremolinos, an experience he describes as a huge honour. Sharing the stage with iconic country stars such as Philomena Begley, Gerry Guthrie, Cliona Hagan and Louise Morrissey, Paudie clearly left a strong impression. He has since been invited back for October 2026, with more Costa-side craic firmly on the agenda.

Paudie also looks back on the Covid years, when music became a daily family project. Along with his sisters Leanne and Tara, he recorded country music videos every day for 100 consecutive days.

What began as a way to lift spirits grew into something lasting, resulting in their CD Small Moments, Big Memories. The project raised €3,000 for charity, split between Palliative Care and the special class at Cullina National School, a cause

Local woman wins a million while watching Netflix

There’s a new millionaire in town! Killarney woman Sinead O’Shea received a very big surprise this week when she found out she won €1million in a competition live on Facebook.

Ooosch Giveaways, which runs multiple competitions on social media, rang Ms O’Shea on Wednesday night to share the good news. The host Elliot rang her while he was live on Facebook and Youtube with over 10,000 viewers. Ms O’Shea was watching Netflix at the time and was completely shocked by the news. She is the first Ooosch millionaire of the year. He told her: “That money is all of yours, your life has been changed forever.” A shocked Sinead said she had “no words” and she “couldn’t believe it” after hearing the news. Elliot congratulated her on the big win.

close to the family, where Paudie and his sisters all attended school as mainstream pupils.

Now, that journey has brought him to Glór Tíre, following on from his great performance on Tuesday night’s show, where Paudie counts himself very lucky to have earned his place in the competition. One of the standout moments so far has been performing Your Health Is Your Wealth alongside Claudia Buckley, daughter of Jimmy Buckley and who is also Paudie’s mentor on the programme. Paudie will perform on Glór Tíre next Tuesday Februrary 10 on TG4. f Paudie wins the judges' votes he will be through

to the semi-final on March 3 or alternatively he will have to battle it out in the quarter final on February 24. The next steps depend on public support. Voting is done via the Glór Tíre app, which must be downloaded to access five free votes. While many loyal country music fans may not be fully app-savvy, this is where the younger generation can lend a hand and help with the download, cast the votes, and maybe leave the app on the phone just in case. If Paudie progresses to the final on March 10, the competition will be whittled down from five contestants to just three, and every vote will count.

Legion presented with Hurling Support Pack at Croke Park

Killarney Legion was among a select group of just 70 clubs from across the 32 counties invited to Croke Park recently to receive a Hurling Refresher Pack.

The presentation was led by GAA President Jarlath Burns and Hurling Development Committee Chairperson Terry Reilly.

Eamonn and Sonny Maguire represented the Killarney club at the headquarters to

accept the equipment.

The initiative is part of a strategic drive by the GAA to grow the game, particularly in developing and non-traditional hurling areas. Each pack contains 15 hurleys, 15 helmets, and 60 sliotars, specifically designed to support nursery and underage coaching.

President Jarlath Burns said that promoting and preserving hurling is a top priority of his term.

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T OWN TALK

Mother and daughter make basketball history

Killarney’s Emer Buckley and her daughter Michaela Buckley O'Riordan made National Basketball Arena history over the weekend, becoming the first mother-daughter duo to officiate at the prestigious National Cup Finals.

The pair shared the spotlight in Dublin, working both individually and together across a busy weekend of top-flight action. Emer is a seasoned National League HPG referee and is widely regarded as one of the top officials in the country. Her daughter, Michaela, has carved out her own path as a FIBA-licenced table official, a qualification she earned last year following years of commitment to the sport.

Michaela is a familiar face at the Killarney Sports Centre, where she serves as the table official coordinator for St Paul’s Basketball Club. Her expertise is in high demand, seeing her officiate weekly at

Women's Superleague and Men's Division 1 games, as well as travelling to assist the Tralee Warriors.

The weekend was a full-circle moment for the family. Michaela grew up watching her mother win National Cup titles as a player with St. Paul’s. This year, she was involved in six different cup finals, with the highlight being the Women's Superleague Final, which was broadcast live on TG4.

Both women continue to be key figures in the development of the sport in Kerry, balancing their local club duties with high-level national and international officiating assignments.

Killarney native claims Grammy Awards success

Killarney is celebrating a major international achievement this week as local native Ruairí O’Flaherty secured top honours at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

The senior mastering engineer, who works at the world-renowned Sterling Sound studio in the United States, was part of the technical team behind Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Luther, which won the prestigious Record of the Year award on Sunday night.

Mayor of Killarney, Councillor Martin Grady, extended warm congratulations to O’Flaherty following the ceremony.

"There was tremendous Kerry pride at the Grammy Awards last night as we watched Ruairí O’Flaherty play a key role in winning the prestigious Record of the Year award," Mayor Grady said. "This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Ruairí’s exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work. He has made his family and his hometown extremely proud."

The Mayor added that O’Flaherty’s success serves as an inspiration to young people in Killarney and Kerry, proving that local talent can reach the highest levels of the global music industry.

O’Flaherty’s work was credited across four nominations in several of the night’s most prominent categories. In addition to the win for Record of the Year, he received credits for Album

of the Year nominations for Kendrick Lamar’s GNX and Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend

This year’s success follows previous Grammy recognition for O’Flaherty. Last year, he was nominated for his work on a Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet and St Vincent’s All Born Screaming

LOCAL ROOTS

Before his career took him to San Francisco and eventually to the top tier of the American recording industry, O’Flaherty was a well-known figure in the Killarney music scene. He worked at Variety Sounds music shop on College Street and performed alongside his brothers in the popular local folk group Gliondar during the early 2000s.

Update on the new Community Nursing Unit

Following an enquiry from Senator Mike Kennelly, the Department of Health has shared an update on the progress of the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit (CNU), an important development for older people, families, and staff in the Killarney area.

The HSE has confirmed that the new building was handed over in December 2025, and work is actively underway to ensure the facility is fully prepared to welcome residents. The priority is to make the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible for those who will call the new CNU home.

HSE South West is finalising the regis-

tration application for HIQA, which will be submitted shortly. At the same time, engagement with staff in Killarney continues to ensure the right mix of skills and experience is in place to support residents from day one.

Once HIQA registration is complete, the HSE will be able to confirm a timeline for the phased transfer of residents into the new unit.

The HSE South West has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping residents, families, staff, and the wider Killarney community fully informed as preparations progress. Ensuring transparency and maintaining strong local engagement remain central to the opening of this much-anticipated community facility.

Faha student's petition on Irish language reform heading to Oireachtas

A 16-year-old student from Faha has been invited to Leinster House to share his vision for a complete overhaul of how the Irish language is taught and assessed in secondary schools.

Joseph Scanlan, a Transition Year student at Presentation Secondary School, Milltown, developed a comprehensive policy proposal aimed at ending the culture of rote memorisation which he believes is damaging the national language.

His campaign has gained significant traction, with an online petition gathering nearly 500 signatures from supporters who want to see a shift toward functional literacy.

Scanlan argues that the current curriculum treats Irish as a purely academic exercise rather than a living means of communication.

He highlights the fact that despite years of compulsory study, a high proportion of students leave school unable to speak or write Irish with any confidence.

According to Scanlan, students are often rewarded for memorising pre-written essays without understanding the sentence structure or vocabulary, which creates an illusion of competence. This dependency on learned material leads to student anxiety when faced with unfamiliar vocabulary and contributes to a negative perception of the language as difficult or inaccessible.

The Faha resident has outlined several key pillars for reform, starting with the

principle that the main goal of Irish education should be functional literacy. He proposes redesigning the curriculum around communication skills, such as asking questions and giving opinions, and making oral assessments mandatory for the Junior Cycle to ensure basic communication is mastered early.

He also advocates for increased use of Irish for daily routines within the classroom and a move away from exams that reward memorisation over flexibility and originality.

After sending his detailed proposal to various TDs and Ministers, Joseph has been invited to speak as a youth representative before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth.

He has also recommended that Comhairle na nÓg be consulted nationally to ensure the views of young people across the country are included in future policy changes.

Joseph maintains that examination success without real ability is no longer acceptable and that reform is essential for both educational quality and the future of Irish culture.

His petition remains open for signatures at www.change.org/p/revise-the-irishcurriculum-for-a-focus-on-languagefluency.

O'Connor to hit the highest notes in Italian Alpine concert

Killarney musician Liam O'Connor and his family band are to hit the Italian Alps bringing their brand of high tempo Irish music and dance to an Italian audience in the unique surrounds of a 14th century mountaintop castle overlooking the town of Verrès in northwestern Italy.

In the shadows of some of Italy’s highest peaks like Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) and Cervino (the Matterhorn), Liam is certain to be hitting the high notes with two concerts in the Castello di Verrès, which will take place on the 15th and 16th of February, thanks to grant funding received from Culture Ireland and a growing connection between the towns of Verrès and Killarney.

The concerts are the centrepiece events in this year's 77th rendition of the Alpine town’s medieval Carnevale celebrations, and an Irish delegation led by Verrès native and long-time Killarney resident Davide Mosca and Killarney Chambers and Killarney Celtic's Paul Sherry will be among the guests of honour.

Verrès hosted a visit by Killarney Celtic teams in 2023 and reciprocated with brilliant colour and sounds in their medieval

costumes at the St Patricks Day parade in Killarney in 2024.

The town then hosted an Erasmus+ Youth exchange from Celtic in 2025 and they are bringing their Carnevale pageantry back to Killarney for the St Patrick's Day festival in March.

Carnevale supremo Tiziana Balma is delighted with the deepening cultural, sporting and economic relationship between the Alpine town and Killarney.

"Liams concerts are going to add a new layer in the relationship between our two communities. The whole Aosta Valley (province) is excited, and we are also looking forward to joining in Killarney’s St Patricks Day parade."

Jake Carter to headline free St Pat’s concert as AbleFest returns

Organisers of the St Patrick’s Festival Killarney have confirmed that country music star Jake Carter and his band will headline a major live concert at the New Street Festival Zone this March.

The concert will take place in the New Street Car Park from 12 noon to 4.00pm on March 15.

This year’s theme completes the ‘Echoes’ trilogy, specifically celebrating the talents and creativity of the next generation.

The festival aims to showcase a town that is evolving to be greener, more sustainable, and inclusive for all families.

Following the success of its debut, AbleFest will also return to the festival programme.

This inclusive music and arts festival is specifically designed for individuals with additional needs, their families, and carers. The event will feature a range of interactive activities alongside the musical performances, ensuring the festival remains accessible to every member of the community.

“Following the incredible success of last year, AbleFest continues to be a proud and important part of our festival programme,” said Festival Chairperson Jason Clifford.

New pilot payment scheme for MacGillycuddy Reeks Landowners

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced the launch of a new three-year pilot Upland Recreation Scheme specifically for the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Designated as a ‘Mountain Access Project’, this first-of-its-kind initiative in Ireland will provide over €100,000 annually to support more than 50 landowners in managing recreational access to the mountain range.

The scheme involves payments to farmers and private landowners who undertake agreed work programmes, including monitoring and maintaining upland paths.

Landowners will also be rewarded for providing assistance and guidance to the public on responsible mountain access.

The pilot is overseen by the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum and administered by South Kerry Develop-

Local author Michelle Hadad has released the second edition of her book, The Secret Box: Concave & Convex, as part of her ongoing series The Secret Box: What We Hide

The updated publication explores the shift in Irish people's behavior and emotional wellbeing in the years following the pandemic.

The book examines the balance between our inner and outer lives, focusing on the everyday emotional realities of post-pan-

ment Partnership CLG.

Minister Calleary said: “In excess of 64,000 walkers access the MacGillycuddy Reeks each year and the area is an important driver of the local tourism economy. This pilot scheme is a crucial step in creating a more sustainable future for visitor access to the MacGillycuddy Reeks. I am committed to working with them to make this new venture a success and to address any challenges that emerge so that this and similar projects can become a permanent feature in many of our upland areas.”

He added: “We are fortunate in Ireland to have areas of outstanding natural beauty that are accessible to so many. However,

we often forget the significant impact that walkers can have on these sensitive areas which are typically private land that is actively farmed. I would like to again thank the landowners for providing this access and dealing with the challenges it brings for them, and also commend them for participating in this new pilot scheme."

Chairperson of the McGillycuddy Reeks Stakeholders Forum, Stewart Stephens, welcomed the news.

He said: "The Upland Recreation Scheme is a major development in sustainable access to mountain areas, much of which are privately owned. It will benefit landowners, recreational users and the fragile upland environment. It recognises the important role of landowners in land management and the visitor experience. A lot of work has gone into the scheme, and we are delighted it is being piloted in the MacGillycuddy Reeks.”

HELPING THE HILLS NETWORK

Alongside the primary access scheme, Minister Calleary announced €90,000 in funding for the first year of a two-year programme to support the ‘Helping the Hills’ network. Led by Mountaineering Ireland, this initiative is designed to build the capacity of various organisations to effectively address path erosion in upland areas. The project will focus on training in upland path development and the sharing of learning from recent projects to consolidate the network. Minister Calleary added: “The programme will build the capacity of organisations to address path erosion in upland areas and will include training in upland path development.” By improving technical skills and capturing best practices, the initiative aims to protect fragile environments from the impact of high footfall while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s most popular mountain trails.

demic Ireland. According to the author, the series aims to offer readers insight and reflection on what we choose to reveal or hide from others without using clinical labels. It addresses a growing need for connection and meaning in a changed social landscape.

Supporting local retail is a key priority for this launch. The book is now stocked and available for purchase at O’Connor’s Newsagents on Beech Road, and at Beaufort Post Office.

Applications open for Junior Ranger programme

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is inviting applications for the Junior Ranger+ Programme, which will take place in Killarney National Park from March 2026.

The popular programme is being hosted once again by staff at the Killarney National Park Education Centre and is aimed at teenagers aged between 14 and 17 who have an interest in the outdoors, wildlife and conservation. The programme will begin on Saturday, March 7, and will be based at Muckross School House, the Arthur Vincent Hostel and other locations throughout the National Park.

Junior Ranger+ runs one Saturday per month in March, April and May, with a final double session taking place on Friday evening and Saturday morning on June 26 and 27. Each session will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm, though some days may run slightly longer depending on activities.

The programme builds on the experiences offered through the regular Junior Ranger camps and gives participants a more hands-on role in caring for the National Park. Activities will include conserving plants, animals and habitats, ex-

ploring lesser-known areas of the park, map reading and navigation, footpath maintenance, guided hikes, invasive species management and ecological surveys.

Participants will also have the opportunity to develop new skills while working as part of a team and making new friends.

The cost of the Junior Ranger+ Programme is €100, which can be paid on the first day of the course. Places are strictly limited and demand is expected to be high.

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants will be notified by February 28 if they have been successful.

Application forms are available online and can be accessed by following this link: https://forms.gle/4Q6Rmzq2cHwtSSnj8

Further information is also available on the Killarney National Park Facebook and Instagram pages.

Integrity Gym's gruelling 24-hour charity challenge

Members of Integrity Gym in Ballycasheen pushed their physical and mental limits over the February Bank Holiday weekend, completing a demanding 24-hour fitness challenge to support local mental health services.

The fundraiser was organised to benefit the Kerry Mental Health Association and Kerry Samaritans, two organisations that provide essential support to individuals and families across the county. The core participants undertook a relentless schedule, completing a specific exercise program on the hour, every hour, for a full day and night. Each cycle consisted of a 2.6km run, a 1km ski erg, and a 1km row erg. By the end of the event, those who completed the full challenge had covered a staggering 110km in total distance. The gym became a hub of activity

throughout the weekend as other members joined in for individual hours to support the core team and help share the workload. This sense of community proved vital as fatigue set in during the early hours of the morning.

The Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, visited the facility during the event to offer his support. He praised the participants for their endurance and highlighted the importance of the two chosen charities, noting that such events are crucial for raising both funds and awareness for mental health services that remain under-resourced.

Integrity Gym expressed its gratitude to all the members and local businesses who donated. All funds raised are being handed over directly to the Kerry Mental Health Association and Kerry Samaritans to help sustain their vital work in the community.

Expressions of interest sought to establish Foróige Club in Kilcummin

A new initiative is underway to bring a Foróige Club to the Kilcummin area, providing a dedicated space for local young people to connect and lead their own activities.

Foróige is currently seeking expressions of interest from adults in Kilcummin and the surrounding areas who are interested in volunteering to help get the club off the ground.

The clubs are designed to be a simple but powerful way for youth to come together in their own community.

Under the guidance of adult volunteers, members run their own weekly club nights which can include everything from

games and music to social chats and community projects. The program offers two distinct streams: Junior Clubs for those aged 10 to 12 and Youth Clubs for teenagers aged 12 to 17.

Organisers are looking for volunteers over the age of 18 who have a passion for supporting young people. No prior experience in youth work is necessary, as Foróige provides full training and ongoing support to all successful applicants. If you would like to help establish this service for the youth of Kilcummin or wish to learn more about the commitment involved, please contact Helen at the Rural Development Office on 064 6643357 or Trudy, the Foróige Club Development Officer, on 086 834 4978.

Dance teacher takes centre stage for Society’s 40th

As Killarney Musical Society prepares for its 40th-anniversary production of All Shook Up, a familiar face to many local families will be stepping out of the director’s chair and into the spotlight.

Katrina Galvin, the founder of the Sparrow Academy of Dance and Stage, has been cast in the role of Natalie Haller for the three-night run at the Gleneagle Arena.

While many know Katrina through her dance classes in Killarney, Milltown, and Cahersiveen, this production allows the community to see the award-winning teacher showcase her own professional performing arts background.

Katrina, who recently saw her academy named Best Dance School in Kerry for 2025, holds a First Class Honours degree in Voice and Dance and has spent the last year performing in major productions like West Side Story’ and The

Wizard of Oz

In All Shook Up, she plays Natalie, a skilled mechanic who is more comfortable in greasy overalls than a dress. Her character's life is turned upside down by the arrival of Chad, played by Eoghan Cantillon-Mann.

"Katrina is delighted to be part of All Shook Up and hopes you enjoy Natalie’s journey as much as she does," a society spokesperson said.

The show runs from February 10 to 12. Given the milestone anniversary and the strong local connection within the cast, early booking is advised. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster or the Gleneagle Box Office.

Katrina Galvin is the founder of the Sparrow Academy of Dance and Stage.

Photo: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

Plaza Hotel to host women’s Valentine’s wellness event

The Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has announced a collaboration with Irish supplement brand Sisterly to host a ‘Morning of Calm, Connection and Care’ on Sunday February 15.

The event is designed to provide women with a space to reset through restorative sound, nutrition, and expert health advice.

The morning begins at 10.00am at Café du Parc with health shots, teas, and coffees. This will be followed by a sound bath session led by Emma West. The practice is aimed at reducing stress levels, improving sleep quality, and enhancing mental clarity.

Following the relaxation session, a brunch buffet will be served in Café du Parc, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect.

The event will conclude with a practical talk led by the founders and nutritionists behind Sisterly. The discussion will focus on evidence-based nutrition and how women can support their energy levels, focus, and overall wellbeing while managing busy schedules.

The event runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Sunday February 15. Tickets are priced at €35 (plus booking fee) and are available now through Eventbrite. For further information, visit www.killarneyplaza.com.

The Lake Hotel Killarney reopened for the 2026 season on Thursday January 29, revealing a series of significant interior developments.

The Huggard family continues its tradition of annual investment to maintain the four-star property’s standards.

The winter projects focused on a complete transformation of the reception area and the refurbishment of 15 guest bedrooms. The new-look foyer features forest green wallpaper, cream panelling,

The Lake Hotel Killarney unveils refurbishments for new season

and ambient lighting designed to create a warm atmosphere upon arrival.

Bedroom renovations included the expansion of several units to create larger family rooms. These spaces utilise colour palettes inspired by the lakeshore landscape and offer views over Lough Lein. These updates follow recent enhancements to the hotel’s restaurant, bistro,

and the Lake Thermal Suite.

The refurbishments were overseen by Louise and Ailish at Hal-Lou Furnishings.

The design approach focuses on modern comforts while retaining the hotel’s original character and old-world charm.

"We are thrilled with the enhancements made throughout our seasonal closure," said Sales and Marketing Manager, Shei-

la O’Callaghan. "The Huggard family are highly committed to maintaining exemplary standards and invest extensively in the hotel each year. The recent investment will really elevate the product offering."

The hotel is now accepting bookings for the spring season. Special offers are available at www.lakehotelkillarney.ie

Golf Club quiz raises over €2,500 for local charities

A fundraising quiz night held last Friday at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club proved to be a great success, raising over €2,500 for two local causes.

The proceeds from the event will be shared between the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Comfort for Chemo Kerry. The evening saw a strong turnout with 37 teams participating. The funds were generated through a combination of team entry fees, a raffle, and various spot prizes. The organisers noted a fantastic atmosphere on the night, with support coming from both club members and the wider Killarney community.

The organisers would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Truffle Honey Catering team and the staff at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. Special

thanks were extended to Louise, Ciara, and Collette for their logistical support during the event.

Further appreciation was expressed to Tracy, who was responsible for sourcing sponsorship for the spot prizes, and to Daisy and Jake, who assisted with raffle ticket sales and the collection of answer sheets throughout the evening.

The total amount raised will go directly toward supporting the essential services provided by the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Comfort for Chemo Kerry. Both organisations play a vital role in providing care and support to individuals and families across the county.

The organisers wish to thank everyone who participated, donated prizes, or contributed to the event's success in any way.

Biddie tradition alive and well in Kilgobnet

The tradition of ‘the Biddies’ is one of the oldest and most colourful customs in Ireland, a blend of pagan and Christian pageantry, held on February 1 (imbolc) each year.

Heralding the beginning of Springtime and honouring St Bríd the patron saint of the farming community, the Biddies carry a ‘Brídeóg’ – an effigy to ward off

evil spirits. Traditionally the Biddies call to neighbours and local hostelries in nearby villages and towns, raising money for Kilgobnet National School, where the tradition of the Biddy is taught to all the school children. This will ensure the beautiful ritual and heritage will be carried for generations to come in Mid-Kerry.

“I just want to get us as far as we can”, Kerry

FC’s coach Colin Healy

| By Luke Mangan

Recently I caught up with Kerry FC's manager, Colin Healy. I spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here's how it went.

When you began your career, was there ever a player or manager you idolised?

'When I started my career, not really, I was 18 with Celtic and you know a lot of good players were there. Henrik Larsson was one. It was more important for me to get to that level and stay at that level, and it was a great experience.'

Tell me how it felt to play for Ireland while Mick McCarthy was manager.

'It was very good. I began working with him in the Irish camp, and then when I joined Sunderland he would have been the manager there. So he's been fantastic.'

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

'I'm just proud as always that I had a long career, a lot of injuries as well, so probably getting back from those injuries. Along with playing for Cork City and playing internationally for Ireland which is always a good thing.'

When you went into managing, was there ever a manager or manager's style you idolised?

'Well we had a few, obviously Martin O'Neil at Celtic, and of course he's still coaching today. Martin was a very good man and a very good manager. So I'd probably say Martin.'

Describe to me what it felt like to represent your country at an international level.

'Yea, it was probably the proudest day and one of the biggest achievements.'

This will be your first full season with Kerry, what would you like to being to the club?

'We recruited well, we still look to bring in more players, but listen I just want to get us as far as we can and get higher up the table and improve on last year.'

What do you believe is Kerry's strongest capability?

'We're still in pre-season so we got some good goals, there's still some stuff we can improve on, but its still early doors for us. Obviously we got new players, and they need the type of time as the players that are here. So overall it was good to get into the next round (of the Munster Senior Cup), but as I say, we can always be better.'

Julie Deady wins first Camera Club competition of year

The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of 'Sunset' attracting a wide range of high-quality entries.

Top honours went to Julie Deady, a former Photographer of the Year winner with the club, for her image titled Church of St Primoz and Felicijan. The photograph was taken in Slovenia and captured a striking sunset, with deep reds and strong orange tones stretching across the sky. The setting sun silhouetted a bank of clouds, while warm evening light spilled across the surrounding landscape.

The nearby church, trees and open fields were softly lit, adding depth and balance

to the scene. The image impressed judge John Hootan, a distinguished photographer, who praised its exposure, composition and timing. He awarded the photograph full marks, describing it as a benchmark for the competitions ahead. Members said the standard of entries made the judging particularly competitive and set a positive tone for the year. With such a strong opening round, anticipation is already building for the next monthly themes as members continue to develop their skills and creativity. The club thanked all members who took part, noting that the growing level of participation and friendly rivalry continues to raise standards across the competitions.

Double Gold for Conor Kissane at Munster Indoor Championships

Competing at the highest provincial level over the weekend, Conor Kissane displayed both tactical intelligence and raw power to claim victory in both the 800m and 1500m events.

In a closely contested 800m final, Kissane controlled a tactical race to cross the line first with a time of 2:09.

He followed this performance with a dominant display in the 1500m, stopping the clock at 4:15 to secure his second gold medal of the championships.

Kissane’s success on the track is the latest chapter in a diverse sporting career.

Known in his teens as a high-level competitive cyclist, he has successfully transitioned his endurance and discipline to track and field.

Under the guidance of coach Con Lynch at the Killarney Valley AC Arena, Kissane has seen significant progression in recent seasons. This 'finest hour' in Nenagh proves that his specialized focus on middle-distance running is paying major dividends.

The win provides a massive boost as Kissane and his Killarney Valley AC teammates begin their final preparations for the National Indoor Championships in Abbotstown in four weeks’ time.

Fossa Community Sustainability Fair a massive success

The Fossa Community Sustainability Fair, hosted by the Fossa Climate Action Group, was a huge success last Sunday afternoon, with over 20 exhibitors showcasing their initiatives and projects in Fossa Community Hall.

The annual event, which aims to promote sustainability and community engagement, attracted a diverse range of visitors who came to learn, share, and connect with local organisations and initiatives. Exhibitors included Killarney National Park Education Staff, Beaufort Beekeepers Association, Young Environmental Award entrants, Flourish Organics and Wild Weeds.

The fair provided a platform for local groups and individuals to share their work, exchange ideas, and inspire others to take action on environmental issues. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about sustainable practices, conserva-

tion efforts, and community-led projects, highlighting the wealth of talent and commitment to sustainability in the local community.

"We're thrilled with the response and it gives comfort to know that there are so many groups in the area who are working to sustain the beautiful and healthy environment that surrounds us,” said Diarmaid Griffin of the Fossa Climate Action Group.

The Fossa Climate Action Group would like to thank all exhibitors, attendees, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event.

Soroptimists to host annual Pancake and Coffee Morning

Killarney Soroptimist Club has announced the return of its annual Pancake and Coffee Morning, which will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 17.

The event will be held at the Killarney Avenue Hotel starting from 10.30am. Attendees can look forward to a morning of music and entertainment featuring Tim Gleeson and friends. Along with pancakes and coffee, the event will feature various raffles and a door prize

on the day. This year’s door prize is a two-night bed and breakfast stay at the Hayfield Manor Hotel.

The event is a significant fundraiser for the club, with all proceeds being donated to Rockmount Care Centre in Kilgarvan and St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort.

Tickets for the morning are priced at €20 and are available for purchase from, Soroptimist Members, the chosen beneficiary charities or Sheila Casey at 086 814 9677.

Kayne’s Bar & Brasserie has launched a new Prosecco lunch for 2026. The daytime indulgence is designed for a leisurely, laughter-filled afternoon for friends or family to catch up and share stories while clinking glasses.

The new addition invites guests to enjoy one item from the lunch menu accompanied by four glasses of bubbly Prosecco. A generous spread of nibbles lands at the table for when guests first arrive. The food on offer is second to none and includes Kayne’s favourites such as Pil Pil Prawns with Basmati Rice, Chicken

Wings & Fries, Goat’s Cheese & Toasted Brioche and many more. Early reservations are strongly advised for special occasions as weekends are proving to very popular. The lunch is available to book daily throughout 2026. With its warm atmosphere and lively buzz, Kayne’s Bar & Brasserie continues to evolve its offering, giving locals and visitors alike new reasons to gather in the heart of Killarney. To book your Prosecco Lunch and mark the moment in style, call the team at Kayne’s today on 0646639300 or email info@ kayneskillarney.com , to secure your preferred date.

President Connolly visits Torc community centre

Torc Community & Family Resource Centre (CFRC) was honoured to welcome President Catherine Connolly on Saturday morning for a special visit celebrating community, partnership, and the vital role of Family Resource Centres in Irish society.

The President was greeted on arrival by the vibrant Thump Youth Drumming Group, a collaborative project between Torc CFRC and Kerry ETB’s Local Youthreach and Community Programme (LYCP). Taking time to meet with the young participants, President Connolly enthusiastically joined the group, even trying her hand at drumming alongside its members — a moment that perfectly set the tone for the warm and engaging visit.

President Connolly then met with members of the Torc CFRC Board, along with community and statutory partners involved in the Centre’s work. Guided by Derek O’Leary, Executive Manager of Torc CFRC, she toured the Centre, including a visit to the much-admired

History Wall, which charts the organisation’s journey from its inauguration to its present-day impact. During this tour, Mr O’Leary highlighted photographs from previous presidential visits, including those of President Mary Robinson and President Mary McAleese.

The visit continued to the Early Years service, where the President was welcomed by Theresa O’Neill, Childcare Manager, and her dedicated team. She spent time engaging with children and speaking with parents about their experiences of the Early Years programme, gaining firsthand insight into the importance of accessible, high-quality childcare and family supports within the community.

President Connolly also viewed the Centre’s bespoke sensory room, a recent

and valuable addition designed to support children with additional needs. She expressed particular interest in how the space enhances inclusion and wellbeing within the service.

An intimate and informal gathering followed, where the President met Torc CFRC’s Social and Community Development staff and listened to powerful testimonials from service users. During this discussion, she spoke of her deep understanding of the diverse and evolving needs within communities, and acknowledged the vital, locally responsive work delivered by Family Resource Centres nationwide.

Speaking after the visit, Derek O’Leary, Executive Manager of Torc CFRC, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome President Connolly to Torc CFRC. Her genuine interest in our work, her engagement with service users, and her understanding of the social realities facing communities across Ireland meant a great deal to everyone here today.”

He added:

“President Connolly clearly recognises the importance of Family Resource Centres as trusted, community-based services. Her visit reaffirmed the value of the bespoke, relationship-based approach that Torc CFRC and the wider FRC network bring to families and individuals every day.”

The President later mingled with a large gathering of invited guests, including key partner organisations and local public representatives. Throughout the visit, she was generous with her time, warmly accommodating photographs and conversations, and maintaining an informal, approachable presence that greatly enriched the occasion.

On her departure, President Connolly was presented with a hand-crafted teapot and mug set from Muckross House Pottery by Mr O’Leary. The gift symbolised Torc CFRC’s open-door ethos and its professional yet welcoming approach to engagement with families and the wider community.

Torc CFRC extends its sincere thanks to President Connolly for her visit, and to all partners, service users, staff, and volunteers who contributed to making the occasion such a meaningful celebration of community in action.

For more see page 30

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Road users can report potholes on new website

Potholes are a frequent issue around the country and a major frustration for drivers nationwide.

Local authorities are responsible for carrying out repairs and road users are encouraged to report it to their local councils immediately. However, sometimes the work is never done, and the potholes continue to get worse. One road user, fed up with complaining about potholes,

took action by creating a website that allows people to report them directly. The website, which also has a mobile app, is called Pothole Reporter. Writing on Reddit, the website creator explained that the idea behind the site was simple: when drivers encounter a pothole, they can report it by uploading a photo and sharing its exact location. Both the website and app has a live map showing the problem

areas and where they are located. The creator of the website said: “No more saying that it’s somewhere on that road, it’s all there, transparent and public.” Users can click anywhere on the map to log a pothole, upload a photograph, and vote on existing reports to help confirm them. The data is then sent to local councils, allowing them to identify potholes and repair them in a timely manner.

Popular chain store enters liquidation

Ireland’s retail sector has taken a huge hit this week after it was confirmed that EuroGiant has entered liquidation. This means that more than 600 jobs are at risk nationwide.

EuroGiant has a premise in Killarney, located in the Outlet Centre. The retail store operates 77 shops nationwide, employing approximately 640 staff. EuroGiant said the increase in rent and the day-to-day operating expenses was unsustainable. The retailer said stores will remain open and continue trading while a review is undertaken by the liquidators. Mark Degnan and Brendan O’Reilly of Interpath were appointed by the High Court to oversee the liquidation process. Charlie O’Loughlin is the company’s founder, and he described it as “a very hard day” for himself personally. He said he founded the business more than 30 years ago and never imagined it would end in such a way. EuroGiant was founded in 1990 as a single store on Moore Street in Dublin and later expanded nationwide, with a presence in more than 20 counties.

New research shows Irish travel industry remains strong

Despite rising operating costs and shifting consumer preferences, Ireland’s travel industry continues to perform strongly and remain profitable.

That’s according to the Irish Travel Agents Association which has published the results of its Annual Industry Barometer. The survey, completed by ITAA member travel agents across leisure, corporate and niche sectors, points to continued optimism for 2026, with strong profitability providing a solid foundation amid growing economic and operational pressures. Almost half of respondents (49%) reported increased revenue in 2025 compared to 2024, while a further 24% recorded stable performance. How-

ever, the industry continues to face significant challenges. Political uncertainty was cited as the top concern by 70% of respondents, followed by rising payroll costs (51%), declining disposable income among consumers (46%) and increasing operating costs (35%). Recruitment difficulties and the cost of pension auto-enrolment were also identified as emerging pressures for the travel industry. In addition to increasing operational costs, a significant 95% of respondents answered that they predict price increases on travel products for 2026. Families and couples represent the primary customer segments while summer sun holidays remain the most popular product category, followed by cruises, city breaks and adventure travel.

Michael Moriarty Chairman Kerry Mental Health Association (seated second from left) presenting the keys of the Bus to Kevin O’Leary CNM2 Ard Alainn Day Centre, Killoglin with (left) John Drummey General Manager Kerry, Mental Health Association and Martina O’Connell Assistant, Director of Nursing (back) Sheila Finnucane Assistant Director of Nursing, Shane Walsh, Martin Gillen, Catherine Doona, JRI America, Caitlin Reiveld MTU Student, Patsy Hassett, Sandra Clifford, Mairead Mangan Household support staff, Bridget Hassett, Joanne Lehane, Mark Blennerhasset ISK, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett and Stan Dyachenko.

Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Mental Health Assn. presents bus to Killorglin Day Centre

Community spirit was the driving force behind the Kerry Mental Health Association’s campaign to purchase a bus for Ard Álainn Mental Health Day Centre, Ardmoniel, Killorglin.

Social isolation affects much of the population in South Kerry and the new bus will facilitate increased social networking and easier access to mental health appointments.

Funds raised from multiple events contributed to the overall cost of the vehicle which was formally handed over to Kevin O’Leary, CNM2 on behalf of the staff and clients at Ard Álainn Day Centre. The largest donor to the project was SMBC Global Foundation, part of JRI America’s (JRIA) parent company Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC).

JRIA has operated from its Tralee site at Kerry Technology Park since 2011 and employs nearly 250 people across a range of IT-related disciplines. JRIA is proud to support local community-based activities, and its staff are encouraged to engage in volunteering when time allows. The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said “It’s a pleasure to hand over this much needed bus to Ard Álainn Day Centre. It will provide a wonderful amenity for the services users throughout mid Kerry. While respecting the privacy and dignity of the services users, we understand that it’s good for people to see that their donations are being invested in the wellbeing of others in the community. We

Gardaí appeal for safe driving after bank holiday weekend

13 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2026. That’s according to An Garda Síochána who carried out an enhanced Road Safety and Traffic Enforcement campaign over the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend.

A total of 188 persons died on Irish roads in 2025. 14 people lost their lives on Irish roads in January 2025. Gardaí detected nearly 3,500 motorists speeding this weekend. The highest volume of detections was on Bank Holiday Monday, with over 800 speeding detections. 193 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driv-

ing under the influence of an intoxicant. Nearly 400 drivers were detected for driving while using a mobile phone. Over 660 vehicles were detained by members of An Garda Síochána, 50% for no insurance. Some notable speeds detected included 190kph in a 100kph zone on the N4, Aughamore, Co. Leitrim and 173kph in a 100kph zone on the N18 in Ballinacurra (Weston), Limerick. An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all road users not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, always slow down and drive within the legal speed limit, and always wear a seatbelt.

are most grateful to everyone who gave their time to raise money to purchase the vehicle.”

He also thanked those who contributed to the many fundraising events that took place throughout 2025 to ensure that the bus would be purchased and handed over on schedule.

Long-time volunteer with Kerry Mental Health Association and former All-Ireland winning Kerry Captain, Liam Hassett ran in the Dublin City Marathon and raised over €9,000 for the project.

The teachers and staff at Intermediate School Killorglin donated €1300 raised during the Halloween bake sale and Killorglin Student, Caitlin Reitveld’s Crazy Hair Day and Teddy Bears Picnic brought in around €900.

Tralee Rotary Club kindly donated €1000 from a choral recital last March while a number of local volunteers pedalled their way to raising €10,000 in Spinathons last May and August.

Kerry Mental Health Association is inviting prospective volunteers to help with other fundraising collections in 2026 and anyone interested in giving a few hours of their time should email volunteers@ KerryMentalHealth.ie.

Individuals may also or sign-up via the registration link at https://KerryMentalHealth.ie/volunteer-registration.

Kerry Mental Health Association is a volunteer-led, countywide non-profit organisation that aims to promote mental health and to actively support people with mental health challenges and their families and carers.

DoneDeal now offering free vehicle history checks for buyers

People searching for a car on DoneDeal can now access free history checks on their website.

The new feature will allow buyers to download a free history report directly from eligible listings from all trusted dealers, with the report emailed straight to them. This allows buyers to review vehicle details helping them to make more informed decisions early on in the buying journey. The Free History Report includes essential information such as import status and country of origin, A and B writeoff history, number and dates of previous owners, NCT and tax details, mileage history, any UK history for imported vehicles and if the car now has an Irish registration and more. By clearly displaying this information, buyers can save time and money when purchasing a new vehicle. The launch also brings clear benefits for dealers. When buyers can see vehicle history information upfront, it builds trust in the listing before contact is ever made. Free History Check is available on cars listed

by DoneDeal Cars Trusted Dealers, further strengthening the platform’s focus on transparency, trust, and quality across Ireland’s largest selection of dealer cars. With over 86,000 cars available on the platform, 80% of these are from dealerships, and half of these dealerships are now DoneDeal Cars Trusted Dealerships. DoneDeal Cars continues to invest in features that make buying and selling cars simpler, clearer, and more reassuring.

KCC students learn about nature

TY students from Killarney Community College attended the Killarney National Park Education Centre. The day started a little differently, as this course aims to promote all that our national park has to offer. They made their way to the Muckross schoolhouse – their base for the day – where they were warmly greeted by Chris, Tara, and Siobhán. The morning began with a guided walk where the group learned how to identify a variety of tree species in the area. The students were

fully engaged and gained a deeper understanding of the woodland around them. In the afternoon, they visited the three main woodland types found in this part of the national park. Here, they measured light levels, humidity, soil depth, and soil pH, while also learning to recognise the defining features of each woodland type. These ancient, naturally uninterrupted habitats have existed for hundreds of years, remarkably, just a short walk from the old schoolhouse in Muckross.

Nagle drives rally safety standards in Barbados

The Barbados Rally Club has highlighted the significant impact of training provided by Killarney’s former World Rally Championship co-driver Paul Nagle as a cornerstone of its ongoing safety improvements.

Speaking at the club’s Annual General Meeting on January 30, Chairman Neil Corbin credited the Kerry man with raising the standards of marshalling and official response following a landmark year

for the sport on the island.

The training programme led by Nagle took place last February and combined intensive theory with practical scenario-based sessions. These modules were designed to better equip local officials and marshals for the complexities of modern rallying. Corbin noted that the impact of this work was clearly evident throughout the record-breaking 2025 season, providing a structured foundation for the club as it prepares for its 70th anniversary in 2027.

Two Killarney co-drivers in Galway International Rally top five

Killarney motor sport fans had plenty to celebrate this past weekend as two local co-drivers secured top-five finishes at the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally.

Noel O’Sullivan took the top step of the podium alongside driver Callum Devine in their Skoda Fabia Rally 2.

The pair delivered a dominant performance, leading the rally from the very first stage to the final finish line. This victory marks the perfect start to O’Sullivan and Devine's defence of their Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title.

Despite a brief scare on stage three involving a broken wheel rim, they managed their lead expertly to finish 37.1 seconds clear of the field.

Further down the top five, Shane Buckley also delivered a standout performance co-driving for David Kelly. The duo, com-

peting in a Skoda Fabia RS, secured an impressive fourth place overall. Their rally was nearly cut short on stage 12 when the car spun and became stuck in a ditch.

Buckley and Kelly held onto fourth place for much of the second day, but were ultimately nudged off the podium by a late surge from Josh Moffett, who snatched third place by just 5.4 seconds on the final stage. Despite missing out on the podium by a small margin the fourth-place finish marks a strong start to the season for the Rockfield co-driver.

FINANCESECTION

| FINANCIAL ADVISOR DIRECTORY FOR KILLARNEY

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

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

Road deaths increase in 2025

The Road Safety Authority have published road traffic collision figures for 2025.

The report analyses fatalities that occurred on public roads, excluding car parks and other non-public roads. This report shows that a total of 185 people lost their lives in 174 fatal collisions on public roads during 2025, compared to 171 deaths in 157 fatal collisions in 2024. This represents an increase of 14 fatalities, or an 8% rise, year on year.

Of these 185 fatalities in 2025:

• 76 were drivers (41%)

• 41 were pedestrians (22%)

• 30 were motorcyclists (16%)

• 21 were passengers (11%)

• 14 were pedal cyclists (8%)

• 3 were e-scooter users (2%)

The report highlights a rise in deaths among drivers, as well as among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motorcyclists. The number of cyclists killed in 2025 was the highest since 2017, while the number of motorcyclist fatalities was the highest recorded since 2007.

In contrast, fatalities among passengers decreased compared to 2024. Overall, approximately three quarters of those killed were male, with one quarter female.

February (11 fatalities) and June (11 fatalities) recorded the lowest number of deaths in 2025, while November and December saw the highest number of fatalities, with 21 fatalities and 24 fatalities respectively.

The average number of deaths per month in 2025 was 15, compared with 14 per month in 2024.

EV’s are on the rise in Ireland

40% of Irish consumers are planning to buy an electric vehicle in the next two years, according to new research from EY’s Mobility Consumer Index (MCI). The findings are based on over 500 Irish respondents in 32 counties.

The research reveals that consumers are changing their behaviour when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. 37% have environmental concerns while 31% are taking lower running costs into consid-

eration. 27% believe fuel prices are too high. However, barriers persist, with more than one-third (36%) citing uncertainty around charging and running costs as a deterrent, while 31% point to a lack of charging infrastructure in their area. The research comes at a time when Ireland's private car market is undergoing significant change. Recent CSO figures show that in 2025, electric and hybrid vehicles represented 57% of new registrations, an increase of 11% from 2024.

Julia Ann Corkery, EY Ireland Transport

Leader, said demand is growing for EVs in the Irish market. She said while consumers still have practical questions around charging and overall running costs, ongoing investment is helping to build confidence.

Among the 40% of Irish respondents planning to purchase an electrified vehicle, preferences closely mirror current market composition, 15% intend to buy a full hybrid, 15% plan to purchase a battery electric vehicle (BEV) while 10% are considering a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

RISING CAR SALES IN KERRY

New vehicle registrations in Kerry saw a notable increase of over 11% this January compared to the same period in 2025, with a total of 864 units sold.

Statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) indicate that Kerry’s growth significantly outpaced the national average increase of 3.29%. While Toyota maintained its position as the county's most popular brand with 121 sales, the shift toward electric and hybrid technology is evident.

Petrol-Electric Hybrids led the market with 248 units, while fully electric vehicles reached 142 registrations.

Notably, the Chinese-made BYD Seal has entered the top five most popular models, with 25 units sold during the month

AI: The impact on adults

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.

In the age of ever-so-rapidly advancing AI, artificial intelligence has been more prominent in our lives than ever before: from monitoring our health and safety to allowing the distribution of software, code, and apps.

Supporting or being made with artificial intelligence, at the tap of a button. But as with most projects set in positive thought, with the intention for benefit rather than cause, the unethical conduct of use is bound to rise, as seen through the increase of compulsive behaviour witnessed in children and teens. In spite of that, virtually anybody can be subjected to the maddening spiral that is artifi-

cial intelligence. Adults are no strangers to the consequences artificial intelligence can pose to them, from as mild as mistaking artificially generated posts for authentic pieces of art or craftsmanship created by human hands. As questionable as using artificially powered chatbots to have a sense of human connection, simply wanting to fulfil their desires in hearing what they wanted to hear from a real person, or completely convincing themselves that it can change their lives for the better through consuming prompted text. As a follow-up to ‘Artificial Intelligence: The Impact on Young’, today’s portion will go over the impacts of artificial intelligence on older people. Most notably, the mature individuals and seniors.

ROOT OF THE CAUSE

Before the year that had forced everybody to stay within their shelters, the pre-2020’s internet was a safe space mostly dedicated to teens and adults, with the seniors having a lot less presence there. That held true until the global epidemic had forced the entire world into isolation. Social media apps such as Facebook, Messenger, or WhatsApp became viable sources of communication between people at the time. It was inevitable for everybody to make use of their devices to stay in touch with others. regardless of whether they did not know how to operate one. Which eventually led to one and another in the form of exploring the digital landscape with far bigger platforms such as Twitter. After a few years spent in isolation, with the family, or in some cases, even alone. We tend to stick with the routine we had developed/come to terms with: even in

post-epidemic times, people are still dependent on their devices.

RISE OF AI AND AI CONTENT

While it is true that a certain percentage of seniors or even adults fell victim to the World Wide Web’s flaws pre-pandemic, such as getting scammed by scammers. Or, in a much grander case, taking everything that the internet says on a personal level. The introduction of artificial intelligence has marked the rise of even greater issues, parallel to what the young are subjected to. Have you ever caught your parent, spouse, or even your grandparent staring at a video or image that is obviously artificially generated? The earliest case might have been with the Sad Cat videos, which exploded in popularity in mid 2024, and since then, there have been many iterations of such generated imagery designed to play with human emotions through the display of cute animals in various situations. Facebook is a prime example of artificially created posts that have been plaguing the site since the advanced AI’s arrival. Even if you haven’t used the app, you may have heard of the many instances of older individuals mis-

taking the artificially generated imagery for something seemingly natural, and it’s not that hard to see why: due to the continuous evolution through the distribution of artificially made visuals, the Newer models have adapted to produce more believable AI content that even an average person can be easily fooled by.

AI APPS DESIGNED TO MANIPULATE

Physical and verbal interaction are just a few of the fundamental traits we all possess as humans. Without it, we wouldn’t even have the society we live in today. While the epidemic did bring some families closer, it also made certain people stray further from human interaction. With time rolling by and everyone emerging from their houses to meet and greet again, rekindling relationships in person. There still exist some with no sense or concept of a human touch. With isolation playing a big part in feeding further stress or anxiety into people, even after those days have long since passed, the pandemic has still left a large impact on said individuals. It is very easy to convince someone to believe something; the more you feed them the information, and such is the case with AI chatbots: primarily designed to fulfil a person’s fantasy through generated text, either to set them out on an imaginary adventure or to communicate with an AI model of their favourite character. The main goal of an app like this is to generate dopamine in people; it does not matter if it is artificial; to them, it feels like genuine human interaction. Advertisements, especially created through AI, make it far simpler to entice an audience of people like that.

ACCOUNTANT

The Glenaran group is comprised of 11 retail stores country wide (Aran Sweater Market / Weavers of Ireland), a significant online business supplying knitwear goods worldwide and the Glengarriff Park Hotel. Due to the continued growth and success of the group, we are seeking to hire an Accountant on a full time basis. The position will be based at our head office in Killarney, Co. Kerry but will involve travel to company sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for month end procedures including revenue calculations, bank reconciliations and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Prepare monthly/quarterly management accounts and KPIs.

• Responsible for managing accounts of shipping partners.

• Assist Financial Controller in budgeting and forecasting processes

• Prepare and submit VAT returns (domestic and foreign) and ensure all tax obligations are met accurately and on time.

• Liaise with external auditors and professionals.

REQUIREMENTS

• This is a varied role covering both Financial and Management Accounting. The candidate must have good interpersonal skills communicating regularly with all departments, have strong analytical ability with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.

• Part Qualified/ Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA) with 2 to 3 year’s experience.

• Proficient in advanced Excel

• Fluent English is essential.

If you meet the above criteria and are looking for your next career move, we would love to hear from you! Please send your application to hr@aran.com

HIRING CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS – MACROOM –

Lynch Consulting Engineers is expanding and seeking Graduate, Intermediate, and Experienced Engineers to join our multidisciplinary team in Macroom, Co. Cork.

We deliver practical, high-quality engineering for major industrial, commercial, and residential projects across all of Ireland. The roles available are for a full time position however, we are open to potential part-time work for the right candidate.

ROLES AVAILABLE:

Graduate Engineer (0–2 yrs): Real projects, real responsibility, hands-on mentoring. Intermediate Engineer (3–5 yrs): Client-facing role with growing autonomy. Experienced Engineer (5+ yrs): Lead projects and mentor junior staff.

WE OFFER:

Varied, challenging work across multiple sectors

Supportive, experienced team

CPD, pension, and mileage reimbursement

Flexible working (some remote possible)

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Level 8 Degree in Civil, or Structural Engineering, CAD skills, and a full driving license.

APPLY:

APPOINTMENTS

The Board of Management of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of

SCHOOL SECRETARY (7 hours – Fridays only)

This position will take effect from March 2026

Three copies of an up-to-date

CV and cover letter should be posted to:

The Secretary, Board of Management, Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry P51 PR53

The school is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Short listing may apply. Only candidates short-listed for interview will be contacted.

Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting

Closing date for receipt of applications is: Friday 13th February 2026 at 12pm

The Board of Management of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of

SCHOOL GYM CARETAKER (30-39hours per week) (School term – Evenings & Weekends)

The ideal candidate will:

• Have several years general maintenance experience

• Oversee and manage the renting of the school gym and pitches.

• Have responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of facilities in the school campus.

• Be experienced in the maintenance of accurate records and databases.

• Have strong experience in excel and word.

An application form and job description may be obtained by emailing recruitment@spslrathmore.ie

Three copies of an up-to-date CV and cover letter should be posted to:

The Secretary, Board of Management, Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry P51 PR53

The school is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Short listing may apply.

Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting

Closing date for receipt of applications is: Friday 13th February 2026 at 12pm

The Board of Management of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of

SCHOOL BURSAR (10 hours per week)

This position will take effect from 2nd March 2026 This is a permanent position

The ideal candidate will:

• Provide clerical and administrative support to the Senior Leadership team.

• Be a qualified Accounting Technician or have an equivalent qualification with preferably 3 or more years’ experience.

• Have experience in computerised accounts and computerised payroll packages such as Bright/Sage.

• Report to the Principal and keep them fully informed of all financial issues. A detailed job description may be obtained by emailing recruitment@spslrathmore.ie

Three copies of an up-to-date CV and cover letter should be posted to: The Secretary, Board of Management, Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry P51 PR53 The school is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Short listing may apply.

Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting

Closing date for receipt of applications is: Friday 13th February 2026 at 12pm

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS

For a Relief panel

Essential criteria

• Minimum QQI level 5 Health Care Assistant/ currently in the process of achieving same.

• Good interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of team

• Be client focussed

Desirable criteria:

• Have basic knowledge of the role of Day Care Centres and be aware of the Services provided for service users and the environment in which they operate.

• Experience of working with Older People

Job Description available on request

Closing date: 5pm Friday 20th FEBRUARY 2026

CV and covering letter to be sent to recruitment@rockmountcentre.ie

Or by post to: The Chairperson, Rockmount Care Centre, Gortnaboul, Rockmount, Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry

Interviews to take place the week of Monday 2nd March 2026

TO LET: 2-Bedroom apartment in Glenflesk. Contact 086 8136888.

TO LET: Room to let in Muckross Road area. Own bathroom, sharing house with one other. Non-smoker and no pets. References required. €500 per month, all bills included.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

FOR SALE: Various fuels including seasoned firewood. Also available animal & horticulture bedding. Call 087 7462440.

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

FOR SALE: Mature Privet and Griselinia hedging for sale, in various sizes. Contact 087 6187008 for further details.

FOR SALE: A gathering for women Empowerment, Support, Stillness, only 5 weeks left on the course, which includes guided meditation. Venue: KDYS, Thursdays at 12pm. Tel: Marie 085 1367488.

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: Need a helping hand at home? Experienced, reliable cleaner based in Killarney, offering long/short-term house cleaning. Trustworthy and Thorough. Call 085 8559760 for details.

PROPERTY REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

•

• Spray Painting

• Fixing of doors and windows

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

• Carpentry (Timber floors, Paneling, Skirting Boards)

•

Telephone 087 2380955.:

WANTED: Houses and apartments to rent in the Killarney area. Contact 086 8136888. WANTED: 3-Bedroom house in Killarney area, with HAAP Scheme. Telephone: 089 4116125.

AVAILABLE: Mathematics Grinds, both Higher and Ordinary Level. 100% online with a focus on exam papers. Over 10 years experience. Call or text 087 7535883.

ANIMALS

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

WANTED

WANTED: Seeking Experienced cleaner/ housekeeper for short term rental. Location Killarney/Farranfore. Driving is essential. Applicants must have relevant experience. EmailStayclean.killarney@gmail.com

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

How to renew your Driving Licence

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for driver licensing. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) manages licence applications and renewals.

You can renew your driver licence online. You must have a Public Services Card and a MyGovID verified account. You can renew your licence in person at an NDLS centre. You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre.

You can apply to renew your driving licence if it is expiring within 3 months or expired less than 10 years ago.

How can I renew my driving licence?

There are 2 ways that you can renew your driving licence.

1. Online at NDLS.ie, or 2. In person by booking an appointment at an NDLS centre.

If you decide to renew your driving licence online, you will need:

• A Public Services Card* (PSC) and verified MyGovID

• Proof of your address dated within the last 6 months if your address is different to the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card

• Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen

• A medical report form dated within one month if required

• Application fee of €65 (unless you are 70 or over)

*If your PSC photo is over 10 years old, you must renew it on MyWelfare first using a verified MyGovID. Then apply online at ndls.ie to renew your driving licence.

If you cannot renew your licence online, you must apply to an NDLS centre in person. You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre. You do not have to provide photographs with your application; your photo and signature will be digitally recorded.

You no longer need to complete an application form.

You must bring the following documentation with you when renewing your driving licence:

• Your current or most recent driving licence. If your licence has been lost,

stolen or damaged you must also bring a valid photo ID with you.

• Proof of your PPS number

• Application fee of €65 (unless you are 70 or over)

• Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen

• Proof of address, dated within the last 6 months is required if your current address is not recorded on your lost, stolen or damaged permit and it differs from the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card

• A Driving Licence Medical Report Form, dated within one month if required

• A Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form, if required

Do I need to complete a Medical report form?

You will need a Driving Licence Medical Report Form if you are applying for driving licence categories C, C1, D, D1, CE, C1E, DE or D1E (buses and trucks), unless you previously provided a medical report which is still applicable.

You will need a Driving Licence Medical Report Form if you are applying for driving licence categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE or W (motorcycles, cars and work vehicles) if you have a specific disability or condition).

If you have certain medical conditions, you’ll need to get a Driving Licence Medical Report Form.

If you are 75 or over, you will need a certification of fitness to drive from your doctor to apply for a 3-year or a 1-year licence.

You can download the medical report form from the NDLS website (it must be printed back to back on one page).

You can also get a copy of the form from your local NDLS centre or Citizens Information Centre

Where a medical report form is needed, a registered medical practitioner should complete your medical examination and complete the form. You must sign the declaration on the medical report form in the presence of the registered medical practitioner. It must be submitted within 1 month of the medical examination.

Do I need an eyesight report form?

HOW LONG IS A DRIVING LICENCE VALID?

Period of Driving Licence Licence Categories

10 years Group 1 - Motorcycles, Cars and Tractors

5 years Group 2 - Buses, Trucks and Articulated Vehicles

• The duration of a licence issued depends on your age and medical fitness.

AGE LICENCE TERM

Under 65 years Maximum* 10 year licence - Cars and Motorcycles or Maximum* 5 year licence - Trucks and Buses

65 - 71 years A licence which will expire on the eve of your 75th birthday at the latest. However please note that any group 2 categories (trucks and buses) will be for a maximum of five years which could expire before the driver turns 75.

72 - 74 years 3 year licence

75 or over 3 year licence or 1 year licence (subject to certification of fitness to drive by your doctor)

WHAT IS THE COST OF RENEWING A DRIVING LICENCE?

You can see the renewal rates below:

Generally, your medical practitioner will report any eyesight issues in the Driving Licence Medical Report Form. However, you will need a Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form if you no longer need glasses or contact lenses to drive (for example, if you've had laser eye surgery).

You can download the eyesight report form from the NDLS website (pages 1 and 2 should be printed back to back on one page). It is also available from NDLS centres or Citizens Information Centre. It must be submitted within 1 month of completion.

What happens if my licence has expired for more than 10 years?

If your licence expired more than 10 years ago, you must complete a Driver Theory Test and then apply for a learn-

er driver permit.

If you are aged 70 or over, when your driving licence is due to expire you will receive a renewal reminder in the post. There is no fee to renew your driving licence.

Any required eyesight tests or medical examinations are not free of charge.

If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or have other questions, you can drop-in to your local Citizens Information Service in Tralee, Killarney or Caherciveen – opening hours are listed on our website www.citizensinformation.ie You can also contact us by telephone or email: Killarney Tel: 0818 07 7820 Email: Killarney@citinfo.ie

The Killarney Advertiser Crossword

Gator's relative

Vagrant

Stratford-on-____

Young adult

Bath powders

Speech-maker

Skirt length

Goodbye, in Tokyo

Noah's boat

Slightest

Actress ____ Winfrey

Throw

Change

France's cont.

Sparrow's abode

Thing 27. Wound remainder 28. She, in Toulouse 29. Refusals 30. Fairy tale monster 32. Sworn statements 35. Curtain holders 36. Eye part

Roof overhang 38. Wood strip 40. Diplomacy 41. School-related

Marsh plant 47. Shoelace hole 48. Physicians' gp. 49. Masts

50. System of reasoning

51. Select group 52. Comic ____ DeGeneres 54. Makes eyes at

____ Marie Presley 58. Docile 59. Froster 60. Aware of

Scottish loch

27TH & 43RD

ANNIVERSARIES

& HEALY

In loving memory of Ann Marie O’Sullivan Artigallivan, Headford and Hannie and Michael Healy Aneebeg, Glenflesk, Killarney. Ann-Marie, who passed away on 5th February 1999

Hannie, who passed away on 26th February 1983, and Michael, who passed away on 11th May 1999.

You live in our hearts You walk by our side And from Heaven above You are always our guide. Leaves will fall, the sun will set Those who loved you, will never forget.

You are forever in our thoughts Mum, Dad and Ann Marie. Rest in peace.

Always loved and never forgotten. Your loving daughter Eileen, Darren, Tracey, Johan, Annie and Edith.

27TH ANNIVERSARY O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of Ann Marie O’Sullivan Artigallivan, Headford, Killarney who died on 5th February 1999. Rest in peace.

Precious people are very few That is why there was only one of you Lord treasure her in your garden of rest Because on earth she was one of the best.

Always remembered by Michael, Marie and family.

27TH & 43RD ANNIVERSARIES

& HEALY

In loving memory of Ann Marie O’Sullivan Artigallivan, Headford and Hannie and Michael Healy Aneebeg, Glenflesk, Killarney. Ann-Marie, who passed away on 5th February 1999

Hannie, who passed away on 26th February 1983

Michael, who passed away on 11th May 1999. Rest in peace.

Memories are special

They don’t fade away

We think of you always Not just today.

Sadly missed and never forgotten by Joan, and all the Murphy family.

This novena never fails. Say it on the hour for 9 hours. Jesus who has said, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be open to you. Through the intercession of Mary, 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 Name that my prayer be granted (Make request here)

Oh Jesus who has said Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away through the intercession of Mary, the most Holy Mother. I feel confident my prayer shall be answered. (Make request). This novena is to be said at the same time every hour for nine consecutive hours – one day. Promised publication, never fails. CC

This novena never fails. Say it on the hour for 9 hours. Jesus who has said, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be open to you. Through the intercession of Mary, 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 Name that my prayer be granted (Make request here)

Oh Jesus who has said Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away through the intercession of Mary, the most Holy Mother. I feel confident my prayer shall be answered. (Make request). This novena is to be said at the same time every hour for nine consecutive hours – one day. Promised publication, never fails. AN

52 IN MEMORIAM

1ST ANNIVERSARY FLEMING

In loving memory of Joan Fleming Mastergeeha, Kilcummin 2nd February 2025.

Our hearts are full of memories With pride we speak your name Though life must go on without you It will never be the same.

Those special days will not return When we were all together But the love and memories in our hearts Will stay with us forever.

Lovingly remembered by daughter Lily, late son Seamus, son-in-law David, granchildren, Michael and wife Viki, Marie and husband Pat, Thomas and wife Julie, David and wife Amanda, and great grandchildren Cora, Tomas, Eimear, Brian and Sean.

Anniversary Mass for Joan on Saturday 7th February at 7.30pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

5TH ANNIVERSARY

ECKER

In loving memory of Annette Ecker (nee Hurley) Pinewood Estate, Killarney who passed away on 9th February 2021.

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.

Deeply missed and always remembered by your husband Kurt, daughter Anita, sons Gilbert and Ralph, son-in-law Sean, daughter-in-law Lucia and grandchilden Leila, Joshua and Abby.

Anniversary Mass on Monday 9th February at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

15TH ANNIVERSARY

LENIHAN

In loving memory of Michael Lenihan Inchicullane, Kilcummin who died on 7th February 2011.

Your life was love and labour

Your love for your family true

You did your best for all of us We will always remember you.

Loved and remembered by his wife Peggy and all the family.

2ND & 10TH ANNIVERSARIES

O’NEILL

In loving memory of Hannah and Thady O Neill Lissivigeen, Killarney

Hannah who died on 10th February 2024

Thady who died on 12th February 2016.

Time may pass and fade away, But silent thoughts and memories stay, No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts ye are always there.

Sadly missed, loved and remembered by your son John, daughters Eileen and Mary, grandchildren Grace, Rian, Shane, Kathryn, Hannah, Oran, Timmy and Caoimhe, daughter-in-law Martina, and sons-in-law Mick and John.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 7th February at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

5TH ANNIVERSARY

NAUGHTON

In loving memory of Kathleen Naughton (nee Murphy) late of Tullig, Killarney who passed away on 7th February 2021.

Special memories hold you near As time rolls back another year So much to share, so much to say We carry you in our hearts each day.

Lovingly remembered and missed by your loving husband James, sons Denis and Shamus, daughters-in-law Norma and Mary, and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 8th February at 10.30am in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

23RD ANNIVERSARY

CRONIN

In loving memory of Aidan Cronin Knockmanagh, Killarney who died on 18th February 2003.

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

Loved and missed every day by Mom and all your family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 7th February at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

3RD ANNIVERSARY

KELLY

In loving memory of Donal (Donie) Kelly Upper Park Road, Killarney who died on 11th February 2023.

No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before I knew it And only God knows why.

Always loved and never forgotten. Forever in my heart, Helen.

Anniversary Mass on Thursday 12th February at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

3RD ANNIVERSARY

KELLY

In loving memory of our wonderful father Donal (Donie) Kelly Upper Park Road, Killarney who died on 11th February, 2023.

Beautiful memories are treasured forever Of happy days when we were together In the hearts of those who loved you You will always be remembered forever.

Always in our thoughts, Brenda, Joan, David, Justin and Alan, sons-in-law John and Seán, daughters-in-law Margaret and Sarah, and grandchildren Colm, James, Hannah, Dawn, Nicole, Ben, Robert and Finn.

Anniversary Mass on Thursday 12th February at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

3RD ANNIVERSARY

KELLY

In loving memory of Donal (Donie) Kelly Upper Park Road, Killarney who died on 11th February 2023.

Memories are special They don’t fade away We think of you often Not just today.

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. BOC

3RD ANNIVERSARY

KELLEHER

In loving memory of Derry Kelleher

Boston and late of 10 St. Brendan’s Terrace, Killarney who died on 11th February 2023.

Memories are special They don’t fade away We think of you always Not just today.

Sadly missed by your loving family.

5TH ANNIVERSARY

O’CONNOR

In loving memory of Pat O’Connor Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain and formerly of Muckross Road, Killarney who passed away on 8th February 2021.

When God held out his precious hands

To take you from your pain

You stretched your weary hand right back

As He softly called your name.

“Come home with me”, he gently said

“Your pain will leave you soon

Just close your eyes and take my hand

And we’ll quietly leave the room”.

Triona, Brendan, Cian and our angel Amy.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 22nd February at 11.00am in the Church of the Resurrection, Killarney.

28TH ANNIVERSARY

COFFEY

In loving memory of Maureen Coffey Dromin, Fossa, Killarney who died on 8th February 1998.

God saw her getting tired And a cure was not to be

So he put his arms around her

And whispered “come to me”.

With tear filled eyes we watched her Suffer and fade away

Although we loved her deeply

We could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating Hardworking hands at rest

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

Sadly missed by your husband Dano, daughters Alice, Margaret and Mai, sons Florence, John and Dan, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren Tadgh, Kieran, and families.

Anniversary Mass on Tuesday 10th February at 7.00pm in Prince of Peace Church, Fossa.

30TH BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

O’RIORDAN

30th Birthday Remembrance of Ian O’Riordan, Maughantourig, Gneeveguilla whose birthday occurs on 9th February.

If tears could wipe away our pain

We would not feel hurt again

The heartbreak felt

Since you’ve been gone We wouldn’t wish on anyone.

But today is your birthday So we’ll have to be brave And accept God’s taken What first he gave.

Happy Birthday, love you always, Mom, Melissa, Liam and Anthony. xxxxxxxxxx

30TH BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

O’RIORDAN

30th Birthday Remembrance of Ian O’Riordan, Maughantourig, Gneeveguilla whose birthday occurs on 9th February.

Thinking of you Ian on your 30th birthday With sadness in our hearts For a very special someone From whom we had to part.

Loved and remembered every day by Nana O’Sullivan, all your aunts, uncles and cousins in Gneeveguilla.

14TH ANNIVERSARY O’MAHONEY

In loving memory of Peg O’Mahoney Gullane, Gneeveguilla who died on 5th February 2012.

There is a path of beautiful memories

From here to Heaven above

That keeps us very close to you

It’s called the path of love.

And down that path of memories

We softly tread today

All our thoughts are with you

As life goes on its way.

And life has gone on so sadly without you

The days have turned to years

But each day has held a thousand memories

And a million silent tears.

Always loved and never forgotten by your loving sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family.

25TH & 4TH ANNIVERSARIES

CRONIN

In loving memory of Timo and Noreen Cronin (nee Scannell) Moulagow, Rathmore who departed this life on 6th February 2001 and 18th May 2022.

Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts. Nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts.

For the memories of the ones we loved still cast a gentle glow, To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go.

Remembered and missed every day by Patrick, Mairéad, Mary, Eileen, Breda, Norita and families.

Anniversary Mass for Timo and Noreen will take place on Saturday 7th February at 6.00pm in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Shrone .

May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.

13TH ANNIVERSARY DENNEHY

In loving memory of Lena Dennehy Grenagh, Fossa, Killarney who died on 10th February 2013.

As time unfolds another year Memories keep you very near No need for words except to say You are loved and thought of every day.

Sadly missed by your husband Jimmy.

13TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of Nora Mai O’Sullivan 13 Marian Terrace, Killarney who died on 6th February 2013.

Time unfolds another year Memories keep you very near No need for words except to say You are loved and thought of every day.

Sadly missed, never forgotten by Michael and Martina.

ST. THERESA

St. Theresa the Little Flower, please pick me a rose from thy heavenly gardens and send it to me with a message of love. Ask God to please grant me the favour I thee implore and tell him I will love him each day more and more. Amen.

9TH & 17TH ANNIVERSARIES

DALY

In loving memory of John and Patrick Daly Knockeenduve, Killarney

John who died on 11th February 2017 Patrick who died on 15th February 2009. Rest in peace.

The ones we love don’t go away They walk beside us every day Unseen, unheard, but very near Still loved, still missed, still very dear.

We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.

Sadly missed and always remembered by Eileen and family, and sister Maura.

Anniversary Mass on Wednesday 11th February at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

15TH & 18TH ANNIVERSARIES FLEMING

In loving memory of Michael and Nora Fleming O’Sullivan’s Place, Killarney who died 10th February 2011 and 9th April 2008.

Looking back with tenderness Along the path you trod We bless the years we spent with you And leave the rest to god.

Missed and loved always, Mary. xx

**

As long as our hearts keep beating As long as our eyes shed tears We will always love and miss you No matter how many years.

Sadly missed and loved, Marjie, Brian, Mark and Paul. xx

** The years may pass But still you stay As near and dear As yesterday.

Missed and loved, Peter, Martha, Shannen and Liam. xx

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for his creatures made you worthy when on earth to possess miraculous powers. Miracles awaited on your word which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought I implore you to obtain for me my request (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even though you are the Saint of Miracles, O gentle and loving St. Anthony whose heart was ever full of human sympathy. Whisper my petition into the ear of the sweet infant Jesus who loved to be held in your arms and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Promise publication.

14TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of a dear brother Tim O’Sullivan Maughantourig, Gneeveguilla who died on 3rd February 2012. Rest in peace.

Your name is often spoken We talk about you still You haven’t been forgotten by us Tim And you never will.

Sadly missed by Diarmuid, Christina and family.

21ST ANNIVERSARY FERRIS

In loving memory of a wonderful husband and father

Eugene Ferris

34 O’Kellys Villas, Killarney who died on 7th February 2005.

There is a path of beautiful memories

From here to Heaven above

That keeps us very close to you

It’s called the path of love.

And down that path of memories

We softly tread today

All our thoughts are with you

As life goes on its way.

And life has gone on so sadly without you

The days have turned to years

But each day has held a thousand memories

And a million silent tears.

Loved and missed every day by your wife Mary, your son Richard and family, son-in-law Mark, and grandson Eugene.

Rest in peace Eugie.

** Your life was one of kindly deeds

A helping hand for all in need.

A beautiful life came to an end You died as you lived, everyone’s friend.

Of all the gifts in life

However great or small

To have you as my Dad

Was the greatest gift of all.

Time passes but memories stay

You are never forgotten Dad, especially today.

May You Rest Gently In Heaven

Always loved and remembered by your son Eamonn, daughter-in-law Yvonne, and grandchildren Niamh and Ciarán.

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

E: sport@killarneyadvertiser.ie

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

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamMoynihan

Celtic founder Mikey Daly talks about 50th SPORT

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview.

EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel, meals, etc.

MD: It is great to be invited, showing the quality of our squads, but travel costs are very high. I have been looking at clubs like ours in Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and elsewhere for a regionalised competition so that travel costs could be reduced, but I don’t see any commitment to that idea. It's up in the air at the moment.

EF: Running an amateur sports club is very expensive, especially if you have so many successful teams in competition.

MD: You are well aware of that yourself, but with all of our activities, we are funded by the usual sources used by all sports to collect money. We are in a very good financial state.

EF: How good?

MD: As a trustee of the club, I am very proud to say that we are almost debt-free and we expect to be clear of any debt by October this year, marking our 50th anniversary. In saying that, whether you are an Under 12 or a senior player, all you have to pay for a training session with Killarney Celtic is €2.

EF:The women in Celtic appear to do great work developing Soccer for All. MD: Yes, they do marvellous work in so many parts of the club, led by trojan worker Mary Lyne. On Wednesday night last, the Mothers, Others and Friends started a weekly non-competitive fun game under lights at Celtic Park, and that is great.

EF: Can, can you see some ex-Celtic player is going to make it with a top Irish club and then cross Channel?

MD: I have to compliment Killarney Ath-

letic here right away because Brendan Moloney and Diarmaid O’Carroll did just that. We haven't had any such shining light yet, but we know that we will in the future because we have great young successful players coming through.

EF: Reverting back again, to 1976, you would have come up at the time the ‘ban’ was abolished. That rule prevented GAA players from playing soccer. If they did, they were suspended. However, it must have been difficult for a player to play both codes when it was permitted.

MD: Fair dues to Seán Kelly, he removed the 'ban’, and we were very fortunate that there were some great players from Spa in particular, like Billy Morris, Seán Cronin, the Cahill brothers, James and John, Seánie Kelliher and others. They wanted to play football and soccer. The way we worked it in Celtic was that if the football season was over, then they always played soccer with us, and vice versa.

EF: Why do you think that club soccer has become so popular in Ireland? It is climbing the rankings as a sport in Ireland.

MD: Because it's on television the whole time, and the coverage is getting is precedented. Anytime you turn on the TV, you will find a soccer game from all parts of the world, not just cross channel. The 11-a-side is probably easier to organise than we say 15-a-side in the GAA, and some small clubs, particularly in rural areas, find it hard to get 15 to form a team. See what they're doing in places. Two neighbouring teams get together as one team, and that's understandable because all people want to do is play. Of course, not all young people wish to play soccer; they have different hobbies, learning the guitar or whatever, and that is great for them. That’s my experience anyway.

EF: The real crunch time comes when they get to roughly 18-years-old, completing their post-primary education and moving away from Killarney for third-level

education. They may be in college, anywhere in the country, making it difficult to come down and play with their local club. So that's one big reason for the fall off.

MD: Some fall away before that, believe it or not.

EF: Do you think Celtic are doing well, promoting the club?

MD: Yes, for all sexes, but particularly for the girls, so that they can stay on longer for valuable coaching. We're very fortunate to have David McIndoe as coach for the Celtic girls, and he is outstanding, absolutely fantastic.

EF: The FAI seems to stumble from one crisis to another, but at local level soccer is alive and well in towns, as well as in rural areas. Ballyhar and Mastegeeha are very good examples where great facilities have been developed by enthusiastic volunteers and that attracts the players

MD: So I think once you get to the stage where you have a facility and committed club people, you're there. We have a very good membership, and we'd be well organised for parents who support their kids playing, and they do. We have two stands, as you know, one dedicated to our former great Celtic man, John Doyle (RIP). That's important nowadays that you have a clubhouse where the spectators can get that welcome cup of coffee they will relish, especially on cold days.

EF: Where do you see Celtic in 2076?

MD: As I said earlier in Killarney Celtic, we are welcoming for everyone, the local Irish, of course, but it's open to all. We have great people originally, from China, Europe, and the Middle East. We have an exceptionally good committee at the moment. We had people with foresight like Dermot O’Callaghan (RIP), who were progressive, and of course, that family con-

tinues the Celtic tradition. Obviously, we like to push the thing on a bit further, but we're very conscious that we spent 50 years putting this together and we want to make sure that when we go, the structures are in place in (Killarney) Celtic for the next 50 (years). As a trustee I am very proud of how we have developed and will celebrate that achievement this year. We will also remember the Celtic players and supporters who have passed away since 1976 and look forward to whatever challenges and opportunities face Killarney Celtic in the years ahead. It is hard to believe that it all started from our conversation (with Billy Healy and Tommy O’Shea) that a new club was needed in Killarney, so that all players who wish to play soccer will be able to play at whatever level they wish and join us at Celtic Park.

EF: Thanks, Mikey, and wish you good health on your daily cycles with your good friend Mike O’Neill.

That’s Mikey Daly, always a pleasure to chat with him on a variety of sports.

Sportflashes from the week

Eamonn Fitzgerald takes his unique look at the world of sport over the current week

• The Kerry Ladies Gaelic Football team sparkled away to Dublin in round one, but new manager Mark Bourke (Na Gaeil) wasn’t codded. Dublin had only four of their expected starting 15 when it comes to championship time. He was glad of the points as he begins building a new team after the heroics of 2024 when Kerry won the Cup. Back to reality at the Fitzgerald Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, where Kerry lost to a better Waterford side 2-12 to 1-11. It was bitterly cold with the prevailing high wind blowing from easterly Rathmore. Kerry took first half advantage of that wind blowing straight upfield or was it downfield (depending on your vantage point) to the scoreboard end? Still, they were held to a draw at half-time, 0-8 to 1-5

As expected, Waterford kicked on with a second goal. This time from Bríd McMaugh.

Kerry responded well with the introduction of Killarney’s versatile sports star Leah McMahon. Fresh from her exploits with Utility Trust St Paul’s successes, she was only on the field just under one minute when the eagle-eyed trainee teacher delivered an inch-perfect pass to Rachel Dwyer Kerry’s top scorer (1-4), who crashed home an equalising goal. That spurred on Waterford, and they went into cruise control. Personal observations. The ferocity of the tough-tackling Waterford defence overturned so many Kerry attacks. Kerry gave away far too many possessions. They will need to work on accurate passing by hand and by foot. Both sides adapted well to their new rules in the LGFA game, not the complete package of the men's game. Just one two-pointer by Chloe Fennell (W). Only once were the teams penalised for not handing back the ball in a respectful manner. Being allowed to pick the ball straight off the ground by hand has sped up the game enormously. I was impressed by the amazing athleticism of both sides. Next up is away to Meath on Sunday, February 8. Kerry will have to wait until February 22 for a home game in Tralee against great rivals Cork.

• A great night of fun and games is promised at the Gleneagle Arena this Friday night for the Killarney Town Champions event promoted by Killarney RFC.

7 teams from various sports will go head-to-head with €1000 euros for the winning club. Will Killarney RFC, the host club, hold off the challenges of St Paul’s Basketball, Killarney Athletic FC, Emerald Eagles FC and GAA clubs Glenflesk, Kilcummin and Dr Crokes?

• Michael Healy, Communications officer with the East Kerry Board, informs me that the 2026 games programme gets underway this weekend with Round One of the Superleagues on February 8, at 12 noon.

• The odds were against Ireland away to France in the Six Nations opener yesterday. It featured the Prendergast brothers in the lineout. Ireland arrived directly from Portugal on Tuesday from their training camp in not-so-sunny Quinta do Lago. With so many injuries and Bundee Aki out of bounds on the bold step and the poor showing of Irish club teams, I can't see or hear Phil Coulter’s Ireland's Call spurring them to victory. The full-blooded singing of Marseillaise should be the spur avenging the 2023 smash-and-grab win by

Ireland. A brief stopover at Lourdes might have reaped dividends for another miraculous escape

• Just one point from a possible six for Kerry teams in last weekend’s games is a poor return.

• After that great away win in the opener in Derry, the Kerry hurlers were held to a draw by Westmeath 2-11 to 0-17 in Tralee. Down to 14 men since before half-time, they led by four points with

eight minutes left. They were hauled back with a late Westmeath point. Good to see local hurler Tom Doyle doing so well in both games to date, including a goal in Tralee.

• As expected, Donegal collected the points at Ballyshannon but only by four points, 1-22 to 1-18. The brilliance of Seánie O’Shea kicking five two-pointers and a further two two-pointers by Tony Brosnan brought it close. No wonder Jack was magnanimous, while

it did dispel some of Jim McGuinness’ crankiness, still hurting after last year's bid for Sam. Next up for Kerry is the home game against Galway in Tralee on February 14, where one expects a Kerry win, but no Valentine’s Day massacre repeated in the day of love. The big disappointment for the partisan home crowd was the non-appearance of David Clifford. I expect that he will only feature in the four home games, which they are expected to win. If Jack’s plan works, the Fossa superstar will be well rested for the pursuit of Sam 40.

Lakers double victory extends winning streak to nine in a row

| By Enda Walshe

Utility Trust St Paul’s Lakers enjoyed a highly successful Bank Holiday weekend at the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, securing two critical home wins to extend their unbeaten run.

By defeating Portlaoise Panthers on Saturday and Tipp Talons on Monday, the Killarney side has now recorded nine consecutive victories.

This dominant streak has consolidated their position as the outright leaders of the Southern Conference as the season approaches its final stages.

LAKERS DIG DEEP TO OVERCOME STUBBORN PANTHERS

• Utility Trust St Paul’s Lakers 91

• ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers 86

On Saturday, January 31, the Lakers faced a Portlaoise Panthers side that arrived with a squad of only six players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors proved to be a stubborn opponent, forcing the home side to produce a massive 54-point second-half performance to secure the win.

The opening period was a defensive struggle. Kelly opened the scoring with an early three-pointer, and with contributions from Carroll and Grant, the Lakers built an 11-3 lead. However, Dunne and Iheme responded from the perimeter for the Panthers. Stewart began to find his rhythm for the visitors, leading to a 17-15 advantage for Portlaoise at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter remained tight. Kelly and O’Sullivan combined for six unanswered points, but Iheme continued his accuracy from long range to keep the Panthers in contention. Baskets from Grant, Omoijade, and Arriaga saw the lead fluctuate, but a pair of three-point-

ers from Sheehan and Kelly helped the Lakers edge ahead. By the halftime interval, the home side held a narrow 37-36 lead.

The Panthers emerged for the third quarter with high intensity, employing a clinical offense led by Stewart and Iheme. They went on a significant run to establish an 11-point lead, 49-38, forcing a Lakers timeout. The introduction of Murcia proved to be the turning point; his defensive pressure resulted in four crucial steals that wrestled back momentum. Supported by scoring from Kelly, Grant, and Carroll, the Lakers whittled the deficit down to 64-62 entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a high-scoring affair. Arriaga and Stewart pushed the Panthers ahead early, but a three-pointer from Grant and a bucket from Sheehan tied the game. As the short-benched Panthers began to tire, the Lakers surged to an 80-73 lead. In a frantic final minute, Stewart and Iheme brought the visitors back within a single point at 87-86. However, Kelly was flawless from the freethrow line in the closing seconds, and a firm Lakers defense secured the 91-86 victory.

Scorers: Kelly 27, Grant 25, Carroll 14, O’Sullivan 11, Sheehan 8, Murcia 6.

LAKERS MARCH ON WITH NINTH CONSECUTIVE WIN

• Utility Trust St Paul’s Lakers 91

• Tipp Talons 85

The Lakers returned to the court on Bank Holiday Monday, February 2, to face the Tipp Talons. While the home side never trailed significantly, they were forced to maintain a high work rate to fend off a spirited Tipp challenge and secure their ninth win in a row.

The first quarter was dominated by Sheehan, who scored 11 points, including several three-pointers. O’Sullivan and Grant

also added long-range efforts to counter the Talons’ clinical shooting from Pierre, Kovacevic, and McHale. Despite the Lakers' strong start, the Talons hit five three-pointers in the period to lead 29-27 at the first break.

In the second quarter, Kelly, Sheehan, and Carroll combined to give the Lakers a 39-33 cushion. The Talons remained competitive through Kovacevic, Broderick, and McHale. With the game tied, Carroll found success inside to draw fouls and add points. Just before the halftime siren, Kelly converted a long-range buzzer-beater to give the Lakers a 49-45 advantage heading into the locker rooms. The Lakers looked to put the game away in the third quarter. Grant scored five quick points, and further strikes from Sheehan and Kelly pushed the lead to 60-49. O’Sullivan was effective under the boards as the lead grew to 13 points. However, Pierre inspired a Talons fightback, driving to the rim to cut the Lakers' lead to just three points, 71-68, by the

end of the quarter.

Grant opened the final period with a three-pointer, which was immediately answered by O’Keeffe. Further baskets from O’Sullivan, Grant, and Carroll eventually established a ten-point lead with five minutes remaining. Pierre and McHale continued to pressure the home defense, but a final jumper from Kelly and a season-high performance from Sheehan ensured the Lakers could not be caught. The game ended 91-85 in favor of the hosts.

Scorers: Grant 24, Kelly 24, Sheehan 22, O’Sullivan 9, Carroll 9, Murcia 3.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

The Lakers now face a defining period that will determine their final standings. This Saturday, they host Team North West. This is followed by a cross-town derby against the Cougars on Thursday, February 12, before they welcome the National Cup Champions, Limerick Sport Eagles, on Saturday, February 14.

St Paul’s victory maintains their title charge

DOMINOS WOMEN’S SUPERLEAGUE

Utility Trust St Paul’s 63 McEvoys Cavan Eagles 41

| By Enda Walshe

Utility Trust St Paul’s secured their tenth win of the season and their fifth consecutive victory with a disciplined performance against McEvoys Cavan Eagles at the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre on Saturday last.

The result ensures they remain level with Killester at the top of the table as they head into a crucial fortnight of home fixtures. While the performance was played in fits and spurts, a dominant defensive display held the visitors to ten points or less in three of the four quarters, allowing the hosts to claim their most comfortable win of the current run.

DOMINANT DISPLAY INSIDE

Lorraine Scanlon and Maisie Burnham were the standout performers for the Killarney side. Despite Burnham facing early foul trouble, the pair dominated the boards, collecting 26 rebounds between them, with Scanlon accounting for 18 of those. Tara Cousins also made a significant contribution, scoring 11 points despite having been ill recently. The ease of the victory provided valuable court time for Clodagh O’Sullivan, Annie Brosnan, and Naoise O’Connor, with O’Connor again finding the basket after coming off the bench.

The opening quarter saw Burnham and Scanlon establish an early 9-3 lead. While Niamh Tolan and Sophie Staunton found some success for the Eagles, the St Paul's

defence held American imports Soliel Barnes and Maz Harris in a vice-like grip. Alexandra Mulligan added a score for the visitors, but the hosts ended the first period leading 17-8.

ACCURACY FROM PERIMETER

The quality of play improved in the second quarter as St Paul’s found their range from the outside. Lynn Jones, Leah McMahon, and Lovisa Hevinder all converted three-pointers. Although Harris and Barnes increased their productivity for Cavan, they could not prevent the Killarney side from entering the halftime break with a 33-18 advantage.

The third quarter was a lower-intensity affair marked by several turnovers from both sides. Despite the drop in scoring rate, baskets from Hevinder, Scanlon, Cousins, and Burnham extended the lead to 44-29. In the final quarter, James Fleming’s side increased the tempo to ensure there was no late collapse. McMahon provided a highlight with a well-executed move, and Burnham played more freely to help close out a 22-point win.

Scorers: Burnham 19, Scanlon 15, Cousins 11, Hevinder 8, McMahon 5, Jones 3, O’Connor 2.

For the Eagles: Staunton 11, Harris 8, Mulligan 8, Barnes 6, Tolan 6.

METEORS VISIT KILLARNEY

The level of competition is set to rise this Saturday when second-placed Trinity Meteors visit the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre. The Meteors arrive following an impressive victory over Liffey Celtics, led by the scoring trio of Hazel Finn, Ava Learn, and Kylie Horstmeyer. Tip-off is scheduled for 4.00pm.

Killarney Badminton Club

Good luck to all from Killarney Badminton Club who are competing in the Division Two and Four Kerry Singles Championship this weekend. As our mixed league matches are well underway now, please check for home and away fixtures regarding court time and availability. Good luck to Sinead Galvin for the coming weekend who will be competing in the Irish Masters Nationals in Baldoyle, Dublin, this weekend.

Killarney Swimming Club

Twenty-four swimmers from the club attended the Future Challenger Gala at Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday. All swimmers excelled, bringing home 34 personal bests, 17 individual medals, and two relay team medals. Congratulations to Aideen Casey, Juan Avila, Chloe O'Sullivan, Aoibhin Creedon, Suin Fleming, Sophie Hickey, Kyrylo Lutehcnko, Caoimhe McCarthy, Reece O'Donoghue, Ronan O'Leary, Kate Roche, Alive Sullivan Bank, and Finian Swarbrick who all achieved medals.

Killarney Celtic Football Club

In the Killarney Celtic Football Club Lotto, the numbers drawn were 2, 3, 4, 22. There was no jackpot winner. Match three winners received €150. The next jackpot is €6,800 on Monday, February 9. Tickets are available from The Dungeon Bookshop, Amber Shop (top of Ross Road), club members, and online through Clubzap. In the Kerry District League Premier, Celtic A beat Mainebank zero to three with goals from Kennedy Amechi, Cian Doe, and Eldion Topalli. Celtic A maintained their position

in the table, having been two up after 35 minutes before a second-half goal sealed the win. In the Under 17 Premier, Celtic drew one to one with Killarney Athletic Football Club with a goal from Jack O'Grady; Celtic were lucky to be ahead at the break after an indifferent half. In the Under 15 Premier, Celtic drew one to one with Killorglin Association Football Club with a goal from Will Twomey. In the Under 15 Trophy and Shield, Celtic B beat Fenit B three to one with two goals from Jack Clifford and one from Cillian

Scannell. Killarney Athletic C lost one to six against Killarney Celtic C with goals from Eoin Murphy (two), Jack Kissane, Kyle Fleming, Noah Murphy, and Robbie Paul O'Sullivan. In the Under 13 Premier, Celtic A beat Camp three to one with two goals from Dylan McCarthy and one from Jamie Downing. In the Under 13 Trophy, Dingle beat Celtic B six to zero. Mastergeeha B lost zero to seven against Killarney Celtic C with goals from Cian O'Connell (three), Zsombar Vida, Fionn Murphy, Tymur Misura, and Oliver

Stachowiak. In the Under 14 Girls Premier, Celtic beat Listowel Celtic one to zero with a goal from Olga Kumour. Congratulations to Will Twomey who made the Kerry School Boys and Girls League Team of the Week.

Listry GAA

In the Listry GAA Lotto draw on February 1, the numbers drawn for a jackpot of €14,950 were 3, 10, 22, 25. There was no winner. Prizes of €100 went to Aaron, Killian, and Liam O'Donoghue. Prizes of €50 went to Dolores O'Shea and Amanda Howe. Prizes of €25 went to John Kerins and Geraldine Keane. The next jackpot on February 8 is €15,100. Our seniors begin their campaign with an East Kerry League fixture away against Glenflesk on next Sunday, February 8, at 1:00 PM. All support is welcome as always. Seniors Day takes place February 10 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Listry Community Centre. Contact Ciara at 086 1997535 or the Community Centre at 064 6624919 if you need transport. The cost is €10. The Couch to 5KM program commenced Monday, February 1, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for all fully paid up members.

Killarney Rugby Football Club

The countdown to Town Champions is on. We are three days away from the inaugural Killarney Town Champions 2026 on Friday, February 6, at the Gleneagle Arena. Doors open at 7:00 PM for an 8:00 PM show. Local clubs Dr. Crokes, Glenflesk, Kilcummin, Killarney Athletic, and St. Paul’s will battle in fitness and skill

to crown the

town champion. All proceeds go toward the development of our new clubhouse at Aghadoe. Tickets are €20, available from club members or Eventbrite. Remember, €10 from every ticket sold by a participating club goes directly to that club. In weekend match results, the Under 18.5 Boys secured a dominant 42 to 12 win against Thomond-Richmond in the Munster Cup Group 2 with seven tries. The Under 14 Boys won 12 to 7 away to Galbally Rugby Football Club in the Munster Shield. The Under 16 Boys lost 38 to 7 against a strong Bandon Rugby Football Club side in the Munster Plate. Fixtures for Sunday, February 8, include the Under 14 Boys versus St Mary’s/Richmond at Aghadoe at 12:00 PM, the seniors away to Killorglin Rugby Football Club at 2:30 PM, and the Under 18.5 Girls League Final against Clonakilty Rugby Football Club at Rockwell College at 3:00 PM. Mini Rugby training continues Saturday at 9:45 AM at Aghadoe. All new players are welcome; please ensure players have gumshields and warm layers as February mornings remain chilly.

Killarney Athletic Football Club

In the Premier A, Killarney Athletic Football Club beat Listowel Celtic zero to four with goals from Josh Bowler (two), Terry Sparling, and Dara O'Shea. In the Munster Youth Cup Quarter-Final, Athletic lost one to four against Lakewood Athletic with a goal from Jayden Fennell. Despite chances for Darragh and Liam and excellent saves from Fionn O'Donoghue Sheehan, the visitors pulled away. Best for Athletic were Fionn O'Donoghue Sheehan, Bryan O'Connor, Donnacha Vaughan, and Finnan Blackwell. In the Under 17 Premier, Athletic drew one to one with Killarney Celtic with a goal from Leo Allen. In the Under 12 Shield, the B team lost three to four against Tralee Dynamos B; goals came from MacDara O Sé, John Byrne, and Mick Sheehan with Alex Doolan named Man of the Match. The Under 16 Girls beat Inter Kenmare two to three with goals from Lillian Slattery, Esme O Sullivan, and Ella Murphy. The Under 12 Girls beat MEK United three to one with goals from Carolena Kelly, Lottie Moynihan, and Fiadh Driver. In the Under 13 Cup, two Athletic teams met with goals from Donncha Slattery (two), Luke O'Sullivan, Jakub Slowakiewiz, and Daniel Cremin. In the Under 15 Healy Trophy, Athletic lost six to one to Tralee Dynamos. In the Under 13 league, Athletic lost to St Brendan’s Park before beating Riverstown (Cork) in the last 32 with a goal from Harry Randles and a standout performance from Rob Young. The Under 15 Premier team beat Castleisland six to zero with goals from Max Moynihan (three), Sean Quill, Robert Murphy, and Calen Prendergast. The Under 15 B team lost two to one against Dingle with two goals from Torin

Jack O’Leary was named Man of the Match. Underage Awards and Bingo take place Wednesday, February 18, at the Killarney Oaks Hotel at 7:30 PM.

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

The Ladies competition on February 1 was a 13-hole Stableford on Mahony’s Point sponsored by the Ladies Club. First was Anita O’Sullivan (22) with 31 points, second was Elizabeth Kelliher (10) with 28 points, and third was Breda Duggan (20) with 26 points. The next fixture is an 11-hole Fourball Better Ball on the Killeen Course on February 7 and 8.

Killarney Valley Athletic Club

Killarney Valley Athletic Club athletes earned multiple medals at the Munster Indoor Championships. In Relays, the Senior Women (Lauren McEvoy, Naoise Cronin, Megan O’Reilly, Beibhinn O’Donoghue) won gold, and the Under 20 Men secured silver. In Sprints, Lauren McEvoy won Under 20 60m gold and 200m bronze. Keelie O’Connor took senior 60m and 200m gold. Brid Stack won W50 60m and 200m gold, while Timea Saary earned W45 silver in both. Jer O'Donoghue (M40) and Alan Delaney (M45) won 60m gold, Michael Murphy took M55 silver, and Kevin Smith took M50 400m silver. In Jumps, Anna O’Shea claimed bronze, Dominik Wasila and Dara Looney won silver, David Watson won bronze, Tim Horgan won gold, and Alan Burke took gold. Conor Kissane completed a senior double with gold in the 800m and 1500m. In throws, Maureen O’Shea and Tomás Griffin earned silver, while Tim Horgan took gold. Jordan Lee placed fourth in the senior shot put. Anyone wishing to join can email killarneyvalleyac@gmail.com.

Mastergeeha Football Club

In the Under 12 Girls Premier, Mastergeeha beat Fenit three to zero with goals from Olivia O Connor and Gracie Maher (two). They also beat MEK United zero to one with a goal from Annie Mai O Donoghue; Eabha Buckley was named Player of the Match. The Under 14 Girls beat Killorglin zero to two after a long break. Congratulations to Shauna O’Riordan, Kaitlin O’Riordan, and Isla Cronin on their three to zero win with Kerry over NERL in the All-Ireland Bowl Quarter-Final. In the Under 13 Trophy, the B team lost zero to six to Killarney Celtic, and the A team beat Castleisland B zero to seven with goals from Adam

Cremin (three), Matthew O’Riordan, Callum O’Connor, Leo Barry, and a Warren O’Boyle penalty. Adam Cremin was Man of the Match with a special mention to Eoin O’Leary. The Under 15 B team beat Park B six to zero with a hat trick from Man of the Match Darragh O Donoghue. The Under 15 Premier team lost zero to one against Listowel. The Under 16s lost seven to one against Tralee Dynamos. The Lotto on Friday, January 30, had no winner for the €4,400 jackpot. Numbers were 6, 10, 11, 22. Consolation prizes of €50 each went to Tim Bruton, Joe Collins, Phillip O’Connor, and Joe Collins. The next draw is Friday, February 6, at the Village Inn for a jackpot of €4,600.

Killarney Salmon and Trout Angling Club

The Killarney Salmon and Trout Angling Club would like to thank everyone who contributed most generously to our annual Church Gate Collection last weekend. This assistance will go a long way in supporting the club for the year in its many activities and projects. They would also like to acknowledge the many members who gave of their time to stand and collect on behalf of their club.

Glenflesk GAA

Glenflesk Gaelic Athletic Association is deeply saddened by the passing of loyal club member Martina Dineen. Martina worked tirelessly behind the scenes to promote our club. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Pádraig, Conor, Cathal, and Gráinne. Club membership for 2026 is now due and available online. Stay updated by joining the Glenflesk PRO WhatsApp Group by texting 086 6052054. Well done to Ava Doherty and Kathryn Ryan who were part of the Kerry Ladies team who played Waterford in Killarney last Saturday.

Kilcummin GAA

There was no winner of the Kilcummin Gaelic Athletic Association Lotto on Monday, January 26, for the jackpot of €6,250. Numbers drawn were 12, 13, 19, 29. Consolation prizes of €50 went to Tommy Healy, Mike Moloney, Catherine Broderick, and Michael Pigott. The next draw is Monday, February 9, for a jackpot of €6,500.

Dr Crokes GAA

Membership for Dr Crokes Gaelic Athletic Association is now due and can be paid through the club app. Fr. Paddy's Cards continues on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM. Kathleen’s gentle exercise class for seniors returns Tuesday, February 3, at 11:00 AM. The Lotto on February 3 saw no winner for the €17,900 jackpot.

Numbers were 15, 19, 21, 27. Seven patrons won €60 each. The next jackpot is €18,200 on February 9. Bingo continues Sundays at 8:00 PM in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Condolences are offered to Matt O'Neill, Kathleen Cronin, the Crowley family, the Looney and Clarke families, and Catherine Keogh on their recent bereavements. If anyone has items for club notes, please email communications. drcrokes.kerry@gaa.ie.

Derrypatrick

Pitch and Putt

Thanks to all who took part in the St Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend Draws at Derrypatrick Pitch and Putt. Sunday results: Two Ball Betterball First Nett Noel Moynihan and Niall O’Loughlin (36), Gross John McGrath and Sean Ashe (44), Second Nett Gearoid Cronin and Gerard O'Brien (36.5). Monday results: Two Ball Scramble First Nett Noel Moynihan and Dan Kiely (38.5), Gross

Sean Ashe and Niall O’Loughlin (49), Second Nett Alan O’Sullivan and John Murphy (40). 2026 membership is due March 1; rates remain the same as 2025. Deepest sympathies to the family of Danny Murphy.

Ross Golf Club

The three-man rumble on January 31 and February 1 was won by Donie Broderick, John Ivory, and Seamus McCarthy with 74 points. Second were Virginijus Jonikaitis, Rolandas Bendikas, and D.J Hayes with 72 points. Third were David Murphy, Derek McAllister, and Michael J O'Sullivan with 72 points. Our President, Maurice Coffey, and Captains Elaine Casey and Daniel Cronin held their Drive-ins on Monday, February 2, followed by a scramble sponsored by Fexco. Scramble winners: First John Cuskelly, Bridget McGuire, Darragh Collins, Noreen O'Mahony; Second Lucas Cronin, Helen Moylan, Cormac Bonner, Mary McCarrick; Third Virginijus Jonikaitis, Eileen Fleming, Seamus McCarthy, Mary Moynihan; Fourth John Ivory, Timmy O'Donoghue, Mona Looney, Sean Hickey. On February 7 and 8 we will hold a three-man Champagne Scramble. Sympathy is offered to the Chute family on the death of Liam Chute.

Kerry Football Club

Kerry Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of 24-year-old Brandon Bermingham from Dungannon Swifts. Bermingham, a centre forward from Meath, has previously played for Drogheda United and Bohemian Football Club and carries dual citizenship with international experience for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He made 17 appearances for the side that won the First Division in 2020, scoring five goals. He arrives from Dungannon who sit in fifth position in the Northern Ireland Premiership.

Fossa GAA

The Lotto numbers for February 1 were 6, 11, 15, 17. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes of €40 went to Bernadette Kissane, Nigel Anderton, Michelle Cunningham, Eileen Courtney, and Billy O’Leary. The next jackpot is €6,150. Fossa Gaelic Athletic Association is participating in the Gaelic Athletic Association National Club Draw; buy tickets via Foireann to ensure all money stays in the club.

Legion GAA

Membership is now due for all Legion Gaelic Athletic Association members. Sign up in the Clubzap app or click on your renewal email. The East Kerry Superleague starts this Sunday, February 8, with a home fixture against Firies at 12 noon. Weekly Fun Run sessions take place every Thursday night from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM on pitch three for participants from under 13 to adults. Legion has been accepted into Phase Seven of the Irish Life Healthy Club Programme; please download the app for the Steps Challenge by February 11. Congratulations to Mark Griffin and Tracey Kerins on the birth of Jack Conor. A members’ meeting will take place Thursday, February 12, at 7:30 PM. Deepest sympathies are extended to the families of Liam Chute and Gene Cronin.

Kilcummin

Community Expressions of interest are being sought for a Kilcummin Foróige Club for members aged ten to 12 and 12 to 17. Volunteers must be over 18. Contact Helen on 064 6643357 or Trudy on 086 8344978. A Positive Exercise Class continues every Tuesday at 10:30 AM in Kilcummin Recreational Hall. Enrolment forms are now available for Anabla Play ‘n’ Learn Preschool with Early Childhood Care and Education places available.