KILLARNEY ADVERTISER WK12 20.03.2026

Celebrations as Jessie Buckley makes history with Oscar win

Killarney-born actress Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.

The 36-year-old secured the honour for her performance as Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet, the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel directed by Chloe Zhao.

Buckley was visibly emotional as her name was announced, breaking into tears before taking the stage. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the win to the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” a nod to the film’s exploration of a couple navigating the profound grief of losing their son. Beyond thanking her team, she paid tribute to the women who “create against all odds,” stating: “Thank you to the incredible women that I stand beside. I am inspired by your art and your heart.”

The win has sparked celebrations across her home county. Norma Foley TD said:

“What a night in Hollywood! Congratulations to our leading lady Jessie Buckley – the first Irish woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. A phenomenal achievement by a phenomenal woman. Proud of you Jessie. Ciarraí Abú!” Local councillor Maura Healy-Rae added: “It’s a massive achievement and we are all very proud of her. We really appreciate the exposure she has given to Killarney, Kerry and Ireland all over the world.”

The actress's roots in the town’s arts scene remain a point of pride. Her mother, Marina, is a well-known singer and harpist, and Jessie was a dedicated member of the Killarney Musical Society. Former Mayor of Killarney and long-time society member Marie Moloney described the local atmosphere as "electric."

“She came to us in the year 2000 and she was in the children's chorus in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat," Moloney said. "She came again in 2008 at 17 years of age and auditioned and got the lead role in Carousel as Julie Jordan.” That performance earned Buckley a best actress award at the AIMS amateur music awards, foreshadowing her future success.

President Catherine Connolly also congratulated the star, calling the win "an historic moment." The President said: "This achievement is a thoroughly deserved testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance in Hamnet, but to her performances both in film and on stage across her career to date."

Oscar win set to inspire new era of Irish actors

The historic achievement of Jessie Buckley as the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress is expected to inspire future generations of performers and provide a significant boost to the national film industry.

Audiovisual Ireland, the IBEC body representing the screen sector, has warmly welcomed the win for her performance in Hamnet, noting that such global recognition highlights the immense breadth of creative talent currently working within Ireland.

According to Audiovisual Ireland director Nicola Cooke, the screen sector now contributes over €1 billion to the economy and supports almost 16,000 jobs nationwide. Production spend alone reached over €544 million in 2025, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. Industry leaders believe that the visibility provided by Buckley’s success profiles

Ireland as a premier destination for international film production and tourism.

“Given the prominence and reach of the screen productions, along with the sector’s contribution to regional employment, this highlights the industry as a key part or our national cultural identity as storytellers, and truly profiles Ireland as a destination for tourism,” said Cooke.

To maintain this momentum, the sector continues to advocate for the promotion of funding initiatives and the Section 481 tax credit to ensure that digital production and animation continue to drive growth.

Special Oscar float highlight of St Patrick’s Day Parade

Killarney residents turned out in massive numbers on Tuesday to celebrate the town’s Academy Award winner, Jessie Buckley.

Following the news of her historic Best Actress win in the early hours of Monday morning, organisers moved quickly to ensure the Killarney native was the focal point of the annual St Patrick’s Day festivities.

A special float depicting a giant Oscar statuette was hastily but expertly assembled to lead the parade through the town

centre.

The float, which drew some of the loudest cheers of the day, served as a tribute to the 36-year-old who became the first Irish woman to take home the leading actress prize for her role in Hamnet

The atmosphere in the town was described as electric, with many spectators carrying homemade signs and photographs of the actress. Local community groups and the Killarney Musical Society where Buckley first developed her talent were out in force to acknowledge the achievement.

Musical Society leads tributes to Buckley

The Killarney Musical Society has led the local celebrations following Jessie Buckley’s historic Academy Award win, describing the actress as a profound inspiration to young performers across the county.

Buckley, who became the first Irish woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Hamnet, began her stage career as a young member of the local society.

Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew, Killarney Musical Society spokesperson Councillor Marie Moloney extended sincere congratulations to Jessie and her family. She noted that the achievement has brought the entire town and county together in a rare moment of international recognition.

"Since she was a young member of the Killarney Musical Society, Jessie has re-

mained humble and self-deprecating," Cllr Moloney said. "She has maintained her friendly, lovable personality and, since she departed these shores over 18 years ago, she has not changed one bit. She is still as delightful as ever."

The society highlighted Buckley’s journey from "treading the boards" in Killarney to becoming a global household name. Her career, which has spanned leading and supporting roles in numerous high-profile films, reached its pinnacle with Monday's Oscar win.

"She has shown all young aspiring actors that if you have the passion, the love, the dream, and are prepared to work hard to achieve your goal, then that goal can be achieved," Cllr Moloney added.

"The most exciting part is that she has only begun what will no doubt be a long and successful career ahead."

Less than 24 hours after Killarney’s Jessie Buckley secured the Academy Award for Best Actress, students from the Fiona Crowley Stage School were thrust into the national media spotlight on Monday afternoon.

The young performers were joined at the Arbutus Hotel by Zara King of Virgin Media Television and James Patrice from RTÉ’s Today Show.

The television crews were in town to capture the local reaction to the Oscar

Media spotlight for stage students following Oscar win

success, and the students were thrilled to showcase their own talents for the cameras.

Dressed in full costume for their upcoming April production of Wicked, the stu-

dents gathered in the family-run Arbutus Hotel. The location held particular significance for the group, as the hotel’s stage is the same venue where Jessie Buckley won her AIMS Best Actress award during

her early years in Killarney.

Fiona Crowley said that seeing a local actress reach the pinnacle of the film industry has provided immense inspiration to the current class.

Is your name Jessie, Jesy, Jessica, Jesse, Jessi or Jess? If so, you’ve just won a €5 voucher from Lidl.

The retailer launched a nationwide celebration to toast our very own Jessie Buckley after her exciting win. Lidl rolled out the red carpet on Monday to celebrate all Jessies nationwide. Eligible customers will find their vouchers automatically waiting in the treats section

Lidl offers vouchers to all Jessies nationwide Buckley’s

of the Lidl Plus app, the offer began on Monday, March 16. Anyone with the qualifying first names registered on their account will receive a €5 off voucher, while anyone with the full name Jessie Buckley registered on their account will receive a €50 off voucher. Customers have until this coming Monday to redeem their vouchers in any of the 190 Lidl stores across the country.

Killarney Community College held their annual Who’s Got Talent final on Wednesday March 18, organised by teachers Denise O’Sullivan and Joanna Hughes.

The judges were Mike Lynch, student Wiktoria Gluza and retired teacher Mary Fuller, who is the aunt of Jessie Buckley. Ms Hughes said it is very apt having Ms Fuller as a judge this year, as Oscar winner Jessie Buckley, who is her niece, was also a judge at the very first Who’s Got

Talent final. This is the 14th year of the successful event, showcasing the vast talent within the school. There have been weeks of auditions, and the final seven acts range from drama, singing, comedy and traditional music players, all battling it out in the Grand Final. Principal Stella Loughnane said it was lovely to watch the students develop and perform their many talents in front of the whole school, in what was a very joyous event at Killarney Community College.

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T OWN TALK

Killarney bids farewell to St Paul's basketball legend Christy Sheehan

Killarney was plunged into a deep sense of loss over the weekend following the death of Christy Sheehan, a man whose life and work left an indelible mark on the town’s sporting and voluntary landscape.

His passing has resulted in a wave of tributes from local clubs and organisations, many of whom gathered to pay their respects as he was laid to rest earlier this week.

A FOUNDER, LEADER AND LEGEND

St Paul’s Basketball Club has lost a founder, a leader, and a legend. Christy Sheehan, the club’s beloved President, passed away peacefully on March 12, surrounded by his loving family and the care of the staff at Killarney Nursing Home. His influence on the sport in Killarney spanned over 40 years, stretching from the club’s very first meeting in October 1985 to his recent presence at matches supporting his grandson Mark.

Before the formation of St Paul’s, Christy was a highly competitive player in the 1950s and 60s. He played alongside local greats such as Weeshie Fogarty, Hugh O’Brien, and Johnny Healy, treading the boards in the old Town Hall and St Mary’s

Parish Hall. As a founding member of St Paul’s, he was instrumental in establishing the juvenile town leagues in the late 1980s. This initiative was a major success story for the club, introducing hundreds of national school children from Killarney and the surrounding areas to basketball for the first time.

COMMITMENT AND WIT

During his tenure as club treasurer in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Christy was

known for his sharp financial management and his quick wit. He worked tirelessly on fundraising initiatives, including securing vital sponsorship from local businesses and managing the successful annual discos at The Laurels. During one particularly difficult National League run, when club members suggested even more expensive American player signings despite the financial strain, he famously asked the committee if they would like to

rename the side ‘Team Aer Lingus’. For the past 25 years, Christy was honoured to serve as President of St Paul’s. He took his role as an ambassador seriously, proudly wearing the club colours at games and extending a hand of friendship to visiting teams and dignitaries. Even as his health declined in recent years, he remained a familiar face at matches. He was especially proud to witness his grandson Mark captaining the St Paul’s U-20 team to a national title last April.

A LASTING LEGACY

The Sheehan family’s service to the club remains a cornerstone of St Paul's. His eldest son, Joey, is a former national league player and coach, while his son Paul has given a lifetime of service as a player and treasurer, currently serving as the club chairman. His son David and daughter Karen have also been outstanding supporters of the club over the decades. Christy Sheehan will be remembered as a man who epitomised the volunteer spirit, leaving the club in a much better place through his dedication. Christy’s funeral took place on Monday morning. Following a moving Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, he was laid to rest in Aghadoe Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Breda, children Joey, David, Paul, and Karen, his brother Joseph, sisters Marie and Barbara, and his adored grandchildren Robyn, Ava, Mark, Nessa, and Kitty.

UTILITY TRUST ST PAULS FLOMAX LIFFEY CELTICS

Last Friday, there was a sense of disbelief and sadness as news of the untimely passing of Glenflesk man Ollie Favier filtered through. Thoughts swiftly turned to his extended family, and an outpouring of love and support ensued.

| By Damien Switzer

Many words of condolences flooded media outlets from the worlds of business and sport, to clubs and friends. Ollie’s friendship, sponsorship, mentorship, quiet acts of charity, and influence became evident; he was respected and cherished, and he leaves a huge void in the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

On Tuesday, the parish of Glenflesk and, dare I say, the county of Kerry, were to witness a funeral event larger than anyone expected. Those there will remember it for a long time.

I struggle to describe what was ultimately a deeply sad day, but also a tremendous celebration of Ollie Favier's life.

Between 4 and 8 pm, Ollie lay in repose in the family home located in Currag-

lass, 1km off the main N22 Killarney to Cork road.

In anticipation of the large crowds expected, the road was closed, and a logistical operation on par with an All-Ireland final day was put into place.

A community rallied, family and friends, led by an army of Glenflesk GAA members, marshalled the event. Each and every one of them knows Ollie and the family personally.

There were a number of staging points, where several buses continually ferried mourners from car parks located in Kennedys Pet Farm, The Kerryway, St. Agatha's Parish Church and Glenflesk GAA grounds to Favier's corner, where mourners joined the queue, which stretched over a kilometre. As daylight faded, the road was illuminated by floodlights. It was truly a sight to behold. The mood of those in attendance was hushed, respectful and silent. Young and old gathered, familiar faces, from business leaders, politicians, sporting figures, to countless neighbours and friends. A testament to Ollie's family, his life and reach into our society.

As the night went on, the numbers grew. Thousands queued as far as the eye could see, with buses arriving steadily, all to pay their respects.

On Wednesday morning, the bells of St Agatha's parish church rang out across the valley, casting a veil of immense sadness over Glenflesk as countless more gathered to say their final farewell to a man who touched so many. With a large number anticipated, a marquee was erected on the grounds of St Agatha's, and the crowds still overwhelmed our little church, spilling into the car park and lining the main road. Again, an army of volunteers assisted by An Garda Síochána marshalled proceedings, all of which accompanied Ollie's funeral cortege to Killaha Graveyard, where his family and friends bid their final farewells.

Only in Ireland would you see a community mobilise like this. From erecting signage to making sandwiches, tea, and coffee, to directing traffic. Each role was carried out selflessly with genuine affection, in this case for Ollie and his family, wrapping one of their own with the love only a community can deliver. In the past, Ollie’s late father, Dan, like all of the family, was first in line to do the same for those in need. I think only time will tell how lucky we are to live in such a great community. Glenflesk should be proud of itself. The Favier

family will remember these kindnesses and be eternally grateful.

After these sombre days, life will slowly return to some semblance of normality, children's laughter will once again grace the schoolyard, the Kerryway and Spillanes will hear the clinking of glasses, familiar faces will belt out a song, coaches will bark out orders from the sidelines and Ollie’s name will be mentioned, not in sadness but with levity, anecdotes and stories will be told and I’m sure embellished, and he will be remembered with great affection.

He was a son of Glenflesk, a loving son to his mother, Marian, and his late father, Dan, a brother to Paul, Ciaran, Sinead and Danielle, a nephew, a cousin to many, and a friend to all.

It goes without saying that he was a great father and husband, adored by his dearest wife, Siobhan, and children, Frankie and Gracie Mai. Our hearts break for you, but know this. Glenflesk’s support doesn’t end this week; we will look over you and mind you in the days and years ahead.

So I’ll leave there, ‘alright kid’ as Ollie would say!

Sin é, may he rest in peace.

Killarney backed to host major European Darts Tour event

Antrim darts star Josh Rock has officially backed Killarney as the ideal location for a major European Tour event.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League’s return to Dublin this week, the World Cup winner identified Gleneagle as his top choice for a professional three-day tournament.

Currently, the PDC EuroTour features 48 of the world’s best players competing for a €250,000 prize fund across mainland Europe.

While Ireland has a long history of hosting the World Grand Prix, calls are grow-

ing for a multi-day event to return to the island to reflect the record nine Irish tour card holders currently on the circuit.

“There needs to be a EuroTour event on the island of Ireland,” Rock said. “If I had to host it anywhere, the only place I would put up is Gleneagle in Killarney. It’s a massive venue, and that’s where they hold the Killarney Darts Festival where all of us have played. It is a fantastic event.”

Hermitage Green set for

St Mary’s Church concert

The Wander Wild Festival, supported by Pig’s Lane, has confirmed that Irish trad-folk band Hermitage Green will headline a special concert as part of this year’s outdoor, culture, and wellness programme.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, a venue chosen for its unique atmosphere and stunning acoustics.

Known for an original instrumental arrangement that features the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo, the five-piece band is entering its 15th year with significant momentum.

Their 2024 album, Connection, showcased a broadened creative scope through collaborations with author Gregory David Roberts and artist Bobby

Fingers, earning praise for its emotional storytelling and sonic ambition.

This recent success was mirrored on stage when the group closed the Rankin Woods Stage at Electric Picnic and followed it with a sold-out performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

Doors for the St Mary’s Church of the Sloes event will open at 8.00pm on April 18, with tickets currently available through the official festival booking platform.

The Wander Wild Festival itself runs from April 17 to 19 and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, 53 Degrees North, Heineken 00, and Pig’s Lane. With over 160 events scheduled across the weekend, the festival continues to establish Killarney as a leading destination for adventure and culture.

Kerry Mountain Rescue hosts national MRI Conference

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) hosted the Mountain Rescue Ireland (MRI) Annual Meet at the Castlerosse Hotel over the weekend.

The three-day event brought together rescue personnel from across the country for a programme of techni-

cal talks, search demonstrations, and team-building exercises.

The weekend featured a range of specialist speakers, including renowned adventurer Karen Weekes and mountain running legend John Lenihan, who spoke about his career on the hills.

Technical and safety insights were provided by Dr Jason Van Der Velde,

specialising in emergency medicine, and Barry Dalby, who discussed advancements in mapping for search and rescue operations.

Local rescue history and recent operations were also highlighted during the conference. KMRT member Mike Sandover recounted the epic all-night rescue of Bill Collins from July 1967, while

CEO John Hussey provided details on the team's recent call-outs in treacherous weather conditions. The event included practical sessions such as search demonstrations by SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association) and team-building activities led by Richard Morrison.

Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Garvin Crowley, Restaurant Manager, Cyrille Durand, Executive Head Chef and Lorna Jankovic, Spa Manager, pictured with Brian Bowler, General Manager, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa at the announcement of key new appointments at the five-star hotel.

Major developments announced at the Agh adoe Heights

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has announced a wide programme of exciting developments, including a series of high-level culinary appointments, the upgrading of its Garden Suites, and a full relaunch of its spa facilities.

The five-star property is currently undergoing a series of enhancements led by General Manager Brian Bowler, who took the helm a year ago.

The hotel’s spa has seen the introduction of a new specialist team along with updated treatment facilities and experiences.

These physical upgrades across the property are being matched by a renewed focus on the hotel’s dining outlets, including the Lake View Restaurant, the Heights Lounge, and The View Bar & Terrace.

Returning to the hotel as Executive Head Chef is Cyrille Durand. With a career spanning two decades, Durand previously held several roles at Aghadoe before serving as Executive Head Chef at the Great Southern Hotel and the Dromhall & Randles Hotels. He also spent two years

working alongside Kevin Dundon at the acclaimed Dunbrody House.

"I’m very excited to return to my roots," said Chef Durand. "Cooking for me is about showcasing Ireland’s best produce. Guests can expect vibrant, seasonal dishes that put our region’s treasures front and centre."

Under his leadership, the hotel has introduced new menus focused on local sourcing and a new four-course individual Afternoon Tea featuring artisan pâtisserie. Joining the management team is Garvin Crowley as Lake View Restaurant Manager. A graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management, Crowley joins from Dubai, where he was part of the pre-opening team for the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal.

Milky Way image wins Camera Club award

Killarney Camera Club recently held its 'Long Exposure' themed competition, showcasing techniques that allow camera sensors to capture light and detail beyond the capability of the human eye.

The top honours in the Novice Category went to Maryann Heidtke for her stunning photograph, 'Starry Starry Night'. The image was captured in the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop in Na-

mibia, a location renowned for its exceptionally dark skies.

Speaking about the achievement, Maryann explained that it was her first attempt at Milky Way photography. She noted that the orange glow visible in the shot was not light pollution but rather natural atmospheric phenomena like airglow and zodiacal light, which become visible during long exposures in dry, dark environments.

Patrick Bergin and Shay Given join Liam O’Connor concert

Musician Liam O’Connor has secured a major coup for his annual concert at St Brendan’s College in Killarney, with international actor Patrick Bergin and Irish soccer legend Shay Given confirmed as star guests.

The 2026 Liam O’Connor Show, featuring the St Brendan’s College Choir and Music Group, will take place in the College Chapel on Thursday, April 23, at 8.00pm.

Patrick Bergin, a renowned actor and singer, is best known for his leading roles in Sleeping with the Enemy alongside Julia Roberts and as the title character in Robin Hood. He has also gained acclaim for his roles in Patriot Games and the BBC’s EastEnders

Donegal native Shay Given remains one of Ireland’s most iconic sports figures, having earned over 130 caps for the Republic of Ireland. His distinguished club career included spells at Celtic, Newcastle United, and Manchester City, and

he is now a prominent television soccer pundit.

The night will also feature O’Connor’s family band, Saoirse, Oisín, and Cillian, alongside the talented students of the St Brendan's music department. Tickets for the event are currently available through ticketstop.ie.

Urgent appeal issued for 'Drink Tea for MND' fundraiser

Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone has issued an urgent appeal to the Killarney community to support the annual 'Drink Tea for MND' initiative this March.

The fundraiser is the largest of its kind for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), providing essential financial support for home care and specialist medical equipment for over 470 people living with the disease across Ireland. The importance of the campaign is highlighted by the growth of the association’s frontline services. In 2011, the IMNDA operated with just two nurses for the entire country. Following years of intensive fundraising—including major contributions from the late Fr Tony Coote and Charlie Bird—the association now employs seven specialist nurses. Last year alone, these nurses conducted 1,131 home visits to support patients and their families.

Organisers noted that 85% of the association’s income is derived from public fundraising events like tea parties. Last year, the initiative raised €150,000,

which is critical for maintaining services. There is a strong local hope that the tradition of 'having a cuppa' with neighbours can be harnessed once again to meet the rising costs of providing specialised care. Christy Lehane, Chairman of the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, is leading the local appeal. Speaking at a recent campaign launch, Mr Lehane noted that while many people in the Killarney area have already pledged support, the need remains constant. "Every week our seven nurses sit at kitchen tables across Ireland sharing cups of tea with people who have been diagnosed with MND. I will Drink Tea for MND this year, will you?"

Residents are encouraged to host a tea party, office tea break, or coffee morning at any time during the month of March. For those unable to organise an event, donations can be made online at www. imnda.ie or by calling 01 6703552.

Firies fundraiser raffles electric bike for Cancer Unit

Firies resident and motorcycle enthusiast Sean Collins has launched a new charity raffle, with an electric bike as the top prize.

All proceeds from the draw will go directly to the Dunmanway Cancer Day Care Unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH). Sean is a regular fundraiser for cancer services; last March, he organised a successful motorcycle run that raised €2,400 for the same unit. This year, he has shifted focus to an electric bike raffle to continue his support for the facility.

The draw is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 7 June, at Henderson’s Bar in Firies. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on the Henderson’s Bar Facebook page. Tickets are priced at €10 each and are currently available in various shops throughout Killarney and the surrounding areas. The prize was made possible through

the support of O’Sullivan’s Cycles and KC Print Ltd in Killarney.

For any enquiries regarding tickets or the draw, Sean Collins can be contacted directly on 087 4436650.

Local success at Munster Restaurant Awards

Killarney’s food and hospitality sector secured multiple titles at the Irish Restaurant Awards Munster Regional Final. Held at the Strand Hotel, Limerick last week.

The event was attended by over 600 guests and recognised excellence across restaurants, cafés, and gastro pubs throughout the province.

The Lake Restaurant at the Lake Hotel was named Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant, while Gary Fitzgerald of Vendricks Restaurant received the Best Chef award.

Willow Café, Miltown (pictured) was

named Best Café, and Kyoto Japanese Restaurant took the award for Best World Cuisine. The Killarney Urban Farm X The Tan Yard – Tour & Taste Experience was named Innovator of the Year.

Other local winners included The Brehon Hotel & Angsana Spa for Best Use of Social Media, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, stated that the awards highlight the high standards and innovation within local communities. All county winners will now proceed to the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, 18 May, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

Future Focus as St Patrick’s Festival concludes its trilogy

Killarney’s St Patrick’s Day parade marked a significant milestone on Tuesday as it completed a threeyear thematic trilogy that began in 2024.

This year’s theme, ‘Echoes of Killarney: Future’, centred on the town's upcoming potential and followed previous years dedicated to the past and present. The five-day festival saw record footfall. In keeping with the forward-looking theme, the grand marshals on the viewing stand represented the town’s rising stars. They included athlete Sarah Leahy, electronic music producer David Sheehan, creative artist Fionn O’Leary

and a dedication to Oscar winner Jessie Buckley.

The task of selecting prize winners fell to a high-profile judging panel consisting of social media personalities Derry and Tadhg Fleming alongside award-winning make-up artist Annette O’Brien – the results of which will be released soon.

The group evaluated every float and costume for creativity and performance. Festival Chairman Jason Clifford siad that the transition from a one-day celebration to a multi-day event reflected the high regard in which Killarney’s festivals are held internationally.

Successful return of Ablefest last Sunday

Killarney celebrated a major highlight of its St Patrick’s festival season on Sunday last as Ablefest returned to the town for a fourhour showcase of inclusion and community spirit.

Held at the festival hub on Beech Road from 12 noon to 4.00pm, the event transformed the area into a vibrant space where people of all abilities, their families, and friends gathered to celebrate together.

The afternoon featured a wide array of interactive experiences and live entertainment, headlined by an electrifying performance from Jake Carter and his band. Attendees enjoyed a diverse programme that included drumming sessions, magic shows, and circus skills

workshops, while creative corners offered face painting, balloon modelling, and activities with the Brickx Club. The inclusion of sensory-friendly spaces and a silent disco ensured that the festival remained accessible and comfortable for every participant, regardless of their needs.

The atmosphere was described by organisers as one of pure joy, with the Teddy Bear’s Hospital and animal roadshow proving particularly popular with younger visitors. By the time the event concluded on Sunday afternoon, Ablefest had once again proven why it is a standout moment in the local calendar, successfully providing a platform where every voice was heard and every heart belonged.

Dine With A View Like No Other!

Sund a y L u nch

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Enjoy our new à la carte menu served from 1pm to 2:30pm

Booking is required Call our team on 064 663 1144

www.castlerosse.ie

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Monday March 30th .........Maths H

Tuesday March 31st .......English H

Wednesday April 1st .....Science C

Thursday April 2nd ................Irish H

Friday April 3rd .............Business C

Saturday April 4th .....Maths H (Paper 1)

Monday April 6th .......Maths H (Paper 2)

Tuesday April 7th ...................Business H

Wednesday April 8th ...............Physics H

Thursday April 9th ....................Biology H

Friday April 10th..................Geography H

Saturday April 11th ........................Irish H

Saturday April 18th ...Maths L (Paper 1)

Saturday April 25th ...Maths L (Paper 2)

NEW Honours Maths Classes Added - Subject to Demand

Sunday April 19th ......Maths H (Paper 1)

Sunday April 26th ......Maths H (Paper 2)

Mother’s Day in Killarney

Families gathered at the Killarney Plaza and Avenue Hotel last Sunday to celebrate the most important woman in their life on Mother's Day.

Husbands, sons, daughters and grandchildren came together to celebrate the

matriarch of their families for the day that was in it. Guests enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere as they ate delicious food while spending quality time together. Families marked the occasion in style. The celebration marked a memorable day for all of those who dined out on Sunday.

| By Craig Locke Manager, Pat McDonnell Paints – Tralee

At Pat McDonnell Paints, we get many questions around this time of year on how to breathe new life into old decking. If you have decided that it’s time to spruce up your deck, check out our handy step-by-step guide below.

Why does decking need maintenance?

Decking is a fantastic addition to any garden, providing a great spot for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying a Sunday morning coffee. However, the Irish climate can be tough on wood. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to mould, algae, and general weathering, while UV rays from the sun (when we get them!) can cause fading and cracking over time. Regular maintenance helps to protect your decking, keeping it looking

HOW TO REVIVE YOUR DECKING

good and extending its lifespan.

Before You Start

Check the forecast as you will need a few days of dry weather to complete your project. Avoid very hot weather as this may cause the product to dry too quickly and not fully absorb into the wood.

STEP 1: Preparation

Cleaning is key to a successful decking makeover. Start by removing all furniture, plants and decorations. Then thoroughly sweep the deck with a hardbristled yard brush to remove surface debris and dislodge some of the growth (moss, algae, mildew etc.) that you will inevitably find on an Irish deck. Use a hose with a nozzle to rinse away stubborn dirt. If you prefer, a power washer can do the job too – just be sure to take precautions to protect the timber. Keep the nozzle at a safe distance from the surface and opt for a wide fan tip rather than a pointed one to avoid damage.

Tip: Don’t use bleach cleaner, as this can whiten and damage your decking boards.

If required, sand off any loose or flaking areas. Run a cloth soaked in white spirits

over the decking boards to remove any sanding dust.

Leave the decking to dry for at least two days. While the decking may seem dry the day after, you risk sealing in any remaining moisture which can lead to cracking and splitting. What’s more, you risk sealing moisture within the wood and in time, this will push any coating you apply off your deck.

STEP 2: Choose the Correct Product

For a bold, opaque finish in a solid colour that covers the wood grain, explore decking paints from Ronseal which are available in a variety of colours. If you prefer a more natural look, stains from Cuprinol, Ronseal, and Sikkens add colour while keeping the grain visible. For hard-wearing protection and a natural finish, we recommend a decking oil from Osmo or Ronseal.

If you are refinishing an existing deck, we recommend sticking with the same product type previously used for ease of application. The most straightforward option is to re-coat your deck with a similar product to what was used previously. If you want to change

product completely, it’s best to speak with a member of our team who can advise you on the best options for your deck.

Sikkens HLS is my go-to product if you are looking for a stain or a solid colour.

STEP 3: Time to Paint/Stain/ Oil Your Decking!

Whatever product you opt for – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application tips.

Using a good quality paint brush (approx. 3 - 4” in width), apply the decking oil along the decking boards –always with the grain.

Tip: For an even finish, start at the furthest end of the deck and go in an S-shape, painting one or two boards at a time.

We recommend applying two coats. After your final coat, leave at least 24 hours of good weather before you use it. Now, time to put your feet up and enjoy your newly refreshed deck!

STEP 4: Aftercare

At the end of September, give your decking a third coat to protect it from the winter weather.

A WEEKLY ROUND-UP OF

away Home

INSPIRED BY DANNY CASEY

US-Israeli conflict against Iran continues to escalate daily

Three weeks into the war and there is little sign of it slowing down. Every day, there is a worrying update that emerges from the US-Israeli conflict against Iran.

On Thursday, March 18, Israel launched a strike on the South Pars gas field, part of one of the world’s largest gas reserves. There are indications of tension or miscommunication between President Trump and his Israeli counterpart, as Trump said the US had no prior knowledge of such an attack and declared that Israel will not carry out any further strikes claiming they “violently lashed out”. The

US President has also criticised his European allies this week after he sought support over the Strait of Hormuz, with little to no acceptance of help. Meanwhile, oil and fuel prices continue to surge amid the escalation of the war, with governments under pressure to provide support measures. Italy has already reduced taxes on their fuel costs, while the Irish government have yet to follow suit. The Irish Road Hauliers Association

threatened strike action on Wednesday, however following a promising meeting with Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, they have postponed any decision until Tuesday evening, when a package of supports is expected to be announced to help with the spiralling energy costs. Despite Trump’s claims that the war will be over within a matter of weeks, that remains yet to be seen. Hopefully, the fuel prices can be tackled in the interim.

Popular folk singer passes away aged 72

Irish singer Dolores Keane passed away on March 16, aged 72.

A familiar voice in households across Ireland, the renowned folk singer was widely known for her singing, particularly for her rendition of Caledonia. Dolores Keane was raised by her aunts Sarah and Rita, sean-nós singers who helped forge her love of music. Ms Keane co-founded the music group De Dannan at the age of 17, recording numerous albums with her then-husband John Faulkner before later embarking on a successful solo career. President Catherine Connolly described Ms Keane as one of the great voices of this island, and of the world. She said: “Nanci Griffith once said she had a sacred voice. She was right. But what made it sacred was her honesty. She gave everything, without pretence.” President Connolly paid tribute to the Irish singer, saying: “to all who loved her and were moved by her, and we are many, I say simply: a voice like hers does not leave us, it moves into the air and lives forever.”

Kerry mayors go abroad for Paddy’s Day

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley, travelled to the United States this weekend for several engagements to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Cllr Foley met with civic, business, and political leaders and joined the Kerry Association during the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue on Tuesday. Cllr Foley was accompanied by Director of Finance Angela McAllen, and Acting Director of Capital Delivery, Climate Resilience and Culture Bridget Fitzgerald. The Kerry cohort met with representatives of IDA North America and Tourism

Ireland-North America and visited the Irish Arts Centre. Before his trip, Cllr Foley said he was looking forward to this very important opportunity to meet with key business and political representatives in New York and aimed to promote Kerry as an attractive business and tourism destination. Meanwhile, the Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Martin Grady, travelled to London with the Director of Active Land Management and Economic Development, James Nolan and attended the St Patrick’s Day Parade in the city and a series of engagements with the Irish Diaspora and business and community organisations.

Cork songwriter to stage 200th protest outside Dáil Éireann

Cork-based singer Martin Leahy will stage his 200th and final protest outside of Dáil Éireann next Thursday, March 26, bringing his weekly demonstrations to an end. The songwriter has travelled to Dublin every Thursday since 2022 to sing his song Everyone Should Have A Home outside the gates of the Dáil, highlighting the severe housing crisis in Ireland. To mark the final protest, Martin will be joined by activists, poets, musicians and politicians including Rory Hearne, Eoin Ó Broin, Richard Boyd Barrett, Jude Sherry Frank O’Connor (#Derelict Ireland) and Sophia and Bernard Mulvany (Access For All Ireland) and Margaret O’Regan (CATU). In addition to speeches, Leahy will perform his song outside the Dáil on Thursday, March 26 from 1pm. Martin wrote the

song as a personal response to the housing crisis, upon hearing that he was to lose his home as his landlord was selling the property, as has been the experience of thousands of other individuals and families. Martin then travelled to the Dáil out of a sense of hopelessness and despair and staged his one-person protest. He has continued to do so every week for almost four years. He has decided to bring it to a close on week 200. Speaking about his final protest, he said: "I think 200 is a good number to stop at. My protest has opened my eyes to the power of one person engaging in a simple and consistent act of protest. I see my protest as being part of a bigger ongoing movement that will not accept this crisis becoming part of life here in Ireland. I will continue my activism in other forms.”

Hannah Montana is returning to our screens very soon!

All twenty and thirty-something year old women can unite in joy as Hannah Montana is making a much-anticipated return to our television screens in a few days.

The 20th anniversary special, which is set to air on Disney+ on March 24, will celebrate the iconic series that defined a generation, exactly two decades after its debut.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience, the special will feature an exclusive, indepth interview with Miley Cyrus, hosted

Historian to deliver lecture on Milltown gentry family

A public lecture exploring the remarkable story of a family who lived on a 7,000-acre estate in Milltown will take place on April 2 as part of the Easter programme of the Milltown History and Heritage Society.

Historian Dr John Knightly will share the story of the Leeson-Marshalls of Callinafercy 1750-1988 in Milltown Community Hall at 8pm. The talk will delve into the history of the Leeson Marshall Family of Callinafercy, whose lands stretched across Mid-Kerry, centred on the townland of Callinafercy, between Milltown and Killorglin. Dr Knightly said they remained in Kerry until the death of the last of the family, Mrs May Ruth in 1988, unlike other gentry families. He explained: “The talk will explore the accumulation of their estate, the building of Callinafercy House, their survival during the War of Independence and Civil War and how they adapted to life in independent Ireland.” Admission on the night is just €10 with proceeds to the work of the Milltown History and

a selection of history questions and general knowledge with loads of fun and spot prizes on the night. Tables of four are just €40.

Deadly meningitis outbreak under investigation in UK

An outbreak of meningococcal disease (meningitis) in the United Kingdom is currently being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency.

As of March 18, 15 cases have been confirmed while a further 12 are being investigated, bringing the total number to 27. 2 people have died so far. Health officials believe the outbreak may have originated at Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5 and March 7. As a precaution, preventative antibiotic treatment is being given to University of Kent students and anyone who visited the venue between those dates.

Currently, cases have been confirmed in students at four schools in Kent, as well as one student at a higher education institution in London. Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis. The chief scientific officer of the UK Health Security Agency has warned that confirmed cases are likely to increase, saying to BBC Breakfast that the outbreak was “very unusual”.

by podcaster Alex Cooper.

The conversation offers an intimate look at the creation of Hannah Montana and the lasting impact the show had on fans around the world. Nostalgic moments, music and memories will be revisited.

The recently released trailer shows Cyrus driving around Los Angeles in a black car, wearing her signature blonde wig as she revisits old sets and takes a trip down memory lane with her parents.

Disney+ has teased some special guests who might make an appearance, so we will have to wait and see who pops up!

Rathmore’s lip-sync a massive success

Rathmore Ravens Basketball Club brought the community together for a fun night of entertainment last Friday, as a large crowd gathered at the Heights Hotel for their lip-sync competition.

Lights, Lyrics, Lay-ups saw 11 competitive acts compete in a bid to win the judge’s

public vote. The judges on the night were music therapist and vocal coach Claire Adams, primary school teacher Jayme Lenihan and basketball coach Ger Noonan. Mini Matilda’s and the Wicked Wednesday’s won the judges vote. The audience also had their say, with 16 for the County scooping their vote as a firm favourite on the night.

Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th April | 10am-1pm

47th Ring of Kerry Vintage Run set for Castlerosse

After several years based in Kenmare, the Kingdom Veteran Vintage & Classic Car Club (KVVCCC) has announced it is returning to its roots in Killarney.

The club’s flagship event, the 47th annual PJ O’Riordan Ring of Kerry Run, will be based at the Castlerosse Park Resort Hotel from April 24 to 26.

The move to the Castlerosse is a significant homecoming for the club. It was at this very venue in 1979 that the late Tom Twohill suggested to the late PJ O’Riordan that there was enough local interest to form a dedicated vintage car club for Kerry.

This year's run is scheduled slightly earlier in the season than usual. The main event takes place on Saturday, 25 April, with pre-registration and the collection of run packs at the hotel starting from 9.30am. The convoy of vintage and classic vehicles is scheduled to depart sharp at 11.00am for the drive around the Ring of Kerry. Following the day’s driving, a dinner dance with live music will be held at the hotel starting at 7.30pm. The weekend concludes on Sunday, 26 April, as the 'vintage family' departs the hotel at 11:30 am to begin their journeys home. Full route details and designated stops will be provided to all entrants in their official run packs.

Callum Devine and Noel O’Sullivan lead championship after West Cork thriller

Killarney co-driver Noel O’Sullivan and Derry’s Callum Devine are heading into the third round of the NAPA Autoparts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship with momentum after a hard-fought second-place finish at the West Cork Rally last weekend.

The pair produced a monumental push on the final day in Clonakilty, moving from third to second on the final stage to pip Kilkenny’s Eddie Doherty by just over five seconds. Despite setting a stunning pace on the second run through Ardfield, they were unable to catch Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes, who claimed their third West Cork win in five years with a

9.9-second margin.

The result leaves the championship battle wide open as the series moves North for the Circuit of Ireland Rally over the Easter weekend (3-4 April). Devine, the defending champion, now sits at the top of the standings after two rounds, but the competition is heating up with Moffett and Doherty following closely behind.

The final loop in Cork proved particularly tense for the Skoda duo. Devine trailed Doherty by just 0.5 seconds heading into the final test before delivering a stage-winning performance to secure the runner-up spot. The weekend was made difficult by unpredictable weather, which saw conditions shift from bright sunshine to sudden heavy showers, making tyre selection a critical factor for the crews. Other notable performances included Donegal’s David Kelly with Killarney’s Shane Buckley alongside, who finished a comfortable fourth.

Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) celebrated the achievements of local students and learners at its Annual Student Awards Ceremony, held at Killarney Community College on Thursday, 12 March.

The event focused on excellence in academics, leadership, sport, and contribution to school life across the county’s ETB network.

Minister of State Michael Moynihan TD

Pupils and Youthreach learners honoured at Kerry ETB awards

attended as Guest of Honour to present the awards. He praised the hard work of the recipients and the support provided by their schools and centres in helping them reach their potential.

From Killarney Community College, students were recognised for a wide range of accomplishments, including Junior Cycle and Transition Year achievements.

The school also saw awards presented for leadership through the Student Council and excellence in specific subjects such as technology and languages.

Learners from Killarney Youthreach were also among the major award winners on the night. These awards highlighted individual dedication to the Youthreach programme and positive

contributions to the centre's community.

Con Moynihan, Director of Schools, Youth and Music at Kerry ETB, noted that the ceremony is an important occasion to acknowledge not just academic success, but also the creativity and participation of students in Killarney and throughout the county.

Students triumph at Kerry Student Enterprise Awards

Students from St Brendan’s College and Killarney Community College took home major honours at the Kerry County Council Student Enterprise Awards held on Friday, 13 March, at MTU Tralee.

The competition saw over 20 mini-businesses from across the county compete in categories testing business development, finance, marketing, and formal planning.

The top prize in the Senior Category was won by St Brendan’s College for their business, Duckers Designs. The company, founded by Finn O’Neill, Colm O’Connor, and Diarmuid O’Sullivan, specialises in handmade wooden products. As county champions, the team will now represent Kerry at the National Finals in

Mullingar on 7 May.

Killarney Community College also secured a significant win, with student Laura Zahorcova receiving the Innovation Plan award for her business, ‘Yera & Nori Storybooks’.

Tomás Hayes, Head of the Local Enterprise Office, praised the resourcefulness of this year's participants. "This is a real-life exercise involving actual trading and profit generation," he said. "It gives students a taste of everything involved in business, from finding an idea to funding and team building."

Kerry Programme Coordinator Margaret Murphy noted the high standard of the 2026 entries and expressed hope for further success at the upcoming National Final.

FINANCESECTION

|

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. 064 662 2775

Road Safety Authority warns of rising scrambler injuries

The Road Safety Authority has published a detailed analysis of fatalities and serious injuries involving scramblers on public roads between 2021 and 2025.

Based on records from An Garda Síochána, the report highlights a significant safety concern regarding the illegal use of these off-road vehicles in urban and rural environments.

According to the findings, three fatalities and 54 serious injuries were recorded in collisions involving at least one scrambler during the four-year period. Of the 57 total casualties, 42 were the scrambler users themselves, including two of the fatalities. The data shows a specific demographic is most at risk, as every one

of the 42 scrambler users involved was male, and 31 of them were aged 25 years or younger.

Geographically, the majority of these incidents took place in major cities, with 31 occurring in Dublin, four in Cork, and three in Limerick. The analysis also revealed that weekend use is a primary factor, with 25 of the 42 users involved in collisions during the Saturday and Sunday period. Beyond the riders, 15 other road users were caught up in these incidents, resulting in one fatality and 14 se-

rious injuries among pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers.

The Road Safety Authority stressed that scramblers are primarily designed for offroad terrain or motocross sport rather than public infrastructure. For any such vehicle to be used legally on a public road, it must comply with strict EU regulations regarding lighting, mirrors, indicators, and noise emission limits. Many scramblers intended for off-road use feature specialised tyres for sand or clay which are entirely unsuitable for tarmac surfaces.

When operated on public roads, these vehicles are classified as mechanically propelled vehicles. This means they must be registered, taxed, and insured, and

the operator must hold an appropriate driving licence. Minimum age requirements also apply, starting at 16 years for low-powered models and rising to 24 years for more powerful motorcycles, depending on engine capacity.

O’Brien Coffey MacSweeny launches expansion of OBCM Wealth Management

O’Brien Coffey MacSweeney Chartered Accountants has announced the launch of OBCM Wealth Management.

The new brand has been established to reflect the growth of the firm’s pensions, investment, and protection services, marking a new stage in its expansion as a distinct financial services provider. The growth of the division has been led by John Cronin, who joined the firm 18 months ago. Mr Cronin is a dual-qualified lawyer in Ireland and New York, a Qualified Pension Trustee, and a Qualified Financial Adviser. With over 15 years of experience across the legal and financial sectors, he provides specialist guidance on complex pension and investment matters.

John joins James O’Brien and Patrick MacSweeny, both of whom are Chartered Accountants and Qualified Financial Advisers.

Their combined backgrounds in taxation and business advisory form the basis of the firm’s integrated approach to financial planning.

"We were delighted to welcome John to expand the existing financial services business," said James O’Brien. "His extensive experience in the industry has already been a significant benefit to our clients. Combined with our tax and accountancy expertise, it enhances our ability to provide a comprehensive, client-focused service."

The team at OBCM Wealth Management will continue to offer tailored professional advice aimed at helping clients build secure financial futures through dedicated pension and protection strategies.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADVERTISE

THE INCHES, KILLARNEY, CO KERRY, V93 E8PV

The Inches is an exclusive limited collection of 11 x 2 bedroom contemporary townhouses situated in the heart of Killarney, Co Kerry. Superbly located on the edge of Killarney town, just off the Muckross Road, these exclusive homes offer a unique blend of modern elegance and classic sophistication. Each unit has been carefully designed to maximise space and natural light and come complete with a range of high quality fixtures and fittings as standard.

New rental changes from March

The new rental regulations introduced on March 1 bring significant changes for landlords in Ireland, particularly around tenancy length and the ability to end a tenancy.

These rules aim to provide greater security for tenants while placing more structure and limits on landlords.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMD). All new residential tenancies must now last for a minimum of six years. Instead of short-term or fixed leases, tenancies automatically become longterm and continue on a rolling basis. This means landlords can no longer rely on ending a tenancy simply because a fixed lease term has expired.

During this six-year period, landlords face stricter rules on when they can terminate a tenancy. The regulations distinguish between larger landlords (those with four or more tenancies) and smaller landlords (those with three or fewer tenancies).

For larger landlords, the rules are particularly restrictive. They can only end a tenancy in limited situations, mainly where the tenant is not meeting their obligations. This includes issues such as non-payment of rent or breaches of the tenancy agreement. Importantly, larger landlords are no longer allowed to terminate tenancies for reasons such as selling the property, carrying out renovations, changing the use of the property, or moving themselves or a family member into the property. These restrictions apply both during the six-year tenancy period and after it ends.

Smaller landlords have more flexibility, but still face tighter controls than before. In addition to terminating a tenancy where the tenant is not meeting their obligations, smaller landlords can end a tenancy if they are experiencing financial hardship that requires them to sell the property. They can also terminate the tenancy if they or a close family member

need to move into the property. This recognises that smaller landlords are often more financially dependent on their rental properties.

At the end of the six-year tenancy period, landlords are generally required to renew the tenancy. This means that, in most cases, tenants have a right to remain in the property beyond the initial six years. A landlord can only refuse to renew the tenancy in specific circumstances, such as where the tenant has not complied with their obligations.

Another important point is that these new rules only apply to new tenancies created on or after March 1. Existing tenancies are not affected and will continue under the previous legal framework. This means landlords with current tenants do not need to change existing agreements, but any new letting from that date onward must comply with the new system. Overall, these changes significantly reduce the ability of landlords, especially

larger one, to end tenancies without cause. Landlords must now plan for longer-term rental arrangements and ensure they understand the limited grounds available for termination. The regulations are designed to create a more stable rental market, but they also require landlords to adapt to a more controlled and tenant-focused system.

COOLICK PRESCHOOL

KCC participates in Relove Fashion Competition

Killarney Community College students Saorla Ní Lionáird (1st Year), Emmy O Donoghue (1st Year) and Terese Anderson (5th Year) all competed in the Relove Fashion competition.

This sustainable fashion competition challenges young people to design and create sustainable and reweara-

ble outfits entirely from second-hand or unwanted textiles. Students created their work over a lunchtime club with Ms Mahony. Saorla progressed to the next stage of the competition where she was interviewed online by a number of judges. Emmy & Terese were awarded certificates in recognition of their amazing outfits.

Brendan’s college came in 1st place and 3rd place in a Maths competition. The winning team of the 6th year Team maths quiz: Jamie O'Donoghue, Cormac Purcell, Diarmaid Murphy and Mark Brosnan. They will be heading to Portlaoise on a date to be confirmed to represent Kerry in the National Final!

Bavarian students experience life at The Sem

Students from Roth in Bavaria have spent the week immersed in daily life at St Brendan’s College as part of a flourishing town-twinning exchange between Killarney and the German district.

The visiting students participated in

a wide variety of classes, with some providing native-speaker assistance to third and sixth-year German students preparing for their oral exams, while others joined PE, LCVP, and podcasting sessions.

The exchange offered the German visitors a firsthand look at the differences between the two school sys-

tems, most notably the use of school uniforms in Ireland and the later start to the school day compared to the 7.30am starts typical in Germany.

As part of an Erasmus+ project on human rights, the mixed groups of Irish and German students also collaborated on a joint democracy guide and podcast.

A highlight of the week included a visit to Killarney Town Hall, where the students met with the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, along with Sheila Dickson and Sean Counihan from the Killarney Town Twinning Association. The students were given the honour of signing the Golden Book of Killarney to mark their visit.

PAINTING CLASSES

Join Ronnie Moore in her next course of watercolour painting. Beginners and experienced welcome. Course consists of one class a week for five weeks

STARTING TUESDAY 24th

MARCH

–––––––– OPTIONS ––––––––

• TUESDAY MORNINGS 10.30 TO 1.00

• TUESDAY EVENINGS 7.30 TO 10.00 ALL MATERIALS SUPPLIED

Full-time

Maternity cover leave (15 months) Immediate Start

Mondelez Ireland Production Limited, Rathmore, Co. Kerry

JOIN OUR MISSION TO LEAD THE FUTURE OF SNACKING.

Position Type: 6-month Contract

Salary: Competitive salary offered

Requirements of applicants:

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

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE:

You will:

• Preferred experience in Allen Bradley PLC controls and logic.

• Oversee Plant warehouse operations performance and delivery KPI’s.

• Preferred maintenance experience & problem-solving.

PLANNING & LOGISTICS MANAGER

You will create strong partnerships across the business to ensure delivery of our supply chain strategies in line with our Growth agenda. Your goal will be to maintain and grow an agile and synchronized supply chain. Reporting to the Rathmore Plant Manager you will be responsible for producing accurate and quality production schedules which account for service level targets, inventory targets, plant resources and costs optimization. You will be the primary contact for Logistics & planning, commercial teams, external manufacturers and international supply chain for management of inventory and production planning. You will meet or exceed related KPI’s in compliance with the manufacturing foundations and standards (safety & quality) and satisfying internal & external customer needs.

• Work closely with manufacturing colleagues to optimize and meet production/ distribution/ customer requirements, including production & material planning, material planning & movement, warehousing & semi-finished goods inventory management.

• Interface with key stakeholders internally & externally to develop and maintain effective relationships, align priorities to deliver the company objectives and goals.

• Support the Manufacturing annual operational plans and targets to meet Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Sustainability, Engagement goals in line with the site compelling business needs

• Maintain 100% compliance to standards, policies, and local legal laws.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

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

You will bring experience and knowledge in:

• Computer proficiency (MS Office to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & experience in ERP (SAP) systems

• Excellent communication skills (Verbal and Written), Analytical & Problem-solving skills, strong collaboration,

• Previous experience within a planning or supply chain function

Mondelez Production Limited is an equal opportunities employer

• Utilise continuous improvement tools to identify supply chain losses and develop & implement a road map to deliver best in class goals for cost and loss elimination.

• Have a pro-active work ethic and possess the ability to strategize for unknown variables and make calculated business decisions

TO LET: Room to let in Muckross Road area. Own bathroom, sharing house with one other. Females only. Non-smoker and no pets. References required. €500 per month. Telephone 087 2380955.

TO LET: Room to let in Lissivigeen, with private bathroom and kitchen, underfloor heating. First time rental, 5-minute drive from town centre. €250/week. For more info email us: rentaroomgp@gmail.com

TO LET: 2-Bedroom apartment in The Old Presbytery, Killarney. Contact 086 8136888.

TO LET: 2 Rooms to let in Rathmore area. Close to town and amenities. Suitable for Professionals. Reference required. Call 087 9470178.

WANTED: 3-Bedroom house in Killarney area,

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

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

FOR SALE: Mature privet and griselina hedging in various sizes. Call 087 6187008.

WANTED

WANTED: Childminder sought to mind 12 month old in our home, 3-4 days per week. Days/hours negotiable. Experience with babies and own transport required. 087 1905959.

WANTED: Cleaner required for a 2-Bedroom Airbnb apartment in Fossa area. Hours flexible 1-3 days per week, 3 hours a day. Contact 087 9952055. AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE: MUSIC LESSONS - piano, fiddle, and guitar. Garda vetted. Leaving Cert Music grinds

with HAAP Scheme. Telephone: 089 4116125.

WANTED: Family of 6 (5 adults, 1 child) seeking rental in Killarney town. 4 adults work fulltime, 1 retired. References & deposit ready. Flexible with 1 or 2 properties. Contact 083 4004421.

WANTED: 3 or 4-Bedroom house in Killarney area. Family of five, four adults and a secondary school child. Not part of HAAP scheme. Contact 087 2786323.

WANTED: I am currently looking for a 2-Bedroom apartment or house to rent in Killarney. I can afford around €1,800 per month and I receive HAP. Please call 089 2735492 if you have something available.

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

and Online Option also available. Tel John: 0876801392 or Maggie: 087-6961681.

AVAILABLE: Garden maintenance available. Lawnmowing, hedge trimming, strimming, weeding etc. Call 083 8810152 for a free quote.

AVAILABLE: A Clean Home Is A Happy Home! Reliable and hardworking cleaner available for - House/Apartment Cleaning. Regular weekly/ bi-weekly cleaning. Attention to Detail, Flexible Schedule. Call/Txt 087 7957958.

ANIMALS

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

SUDOKU

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. No math, nothing has to add up –solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

Ladybirds seeking new members

The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division.

Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive environment where young members are encouraged to reach their full potential through a mix of play, discovery, and community involvement.

As part of the Irish Girl Guides (IGG), the mission of the branch is to enable girls and young women to develop into responsible citizens of the world. The Ladybirds programme specifically focuses on building confidence and teaching essential life skills. Participants engage in fun activities that help them develop a respect for the outdoors and learn to work effectively as part of a team.

Weekly meetings take place during the school term on Monday nights from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. These sessions are held at the Presentation Monastery School on the New Road, providing a consistent and safe space for the girls to gather and learn.

A dedicated registration and information evening will be held on September 29th at 6.00pm at the Presentation Monastery School. Organisers have noted that spaces within the Killarney branch are limited, so any parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to attend this session.

For further details on the enrolment process or the activities planned for the upcoming term, Maura Fitzgerald is available for inquiries at 087 7986958.

Elite Easter Football Camp scheduled for Milltown FC

O’Day Football has officially launched its specialised Easter Camp programme, which will take place on the grounds of Milltown FC.

This initiative provides young players in the region a chance to refine their skills during the upcoming school break at a dedicated local sporting venue. The camp is specifically tailored for boys and girls born between 2012 and 2018, welcoming both those looking to try the sport for the first time and those eager to play more football in a professional environment.

The sessions are led by Robin O’Day, an experienced coach who holds the prestigious UEFA Elite Youth A Licence and the UEFA A Licence. A major focus of the camp at the Milltown facilities is providing increased contact time with the ball through professional-grade coaching designed to build player con-

Community Groups to benefit from €850,000 county funding allocation

Killarney’s community organisations and festivals are set for a significant boost following the announcement of the 2026 Community Support Fund allocations by Kerry County Council.

A total of €850,000 has been distributed across the county, with Killarney Municipal District councillors meeting last week to approve the local grants.

The Wander Wild Festival emerged as the largest single recipient in the district, securing €10,000 to support the adventure-based event. Major seasonal highlights, the Christmas in Killarney festival and the St Patrick’s Festival 2026, were each allocated €8,000, while the

Summer in Killarney Festival received €4,000.

Essential frontline services also received vital support. The Killarney Cardiac Response Unit was granted nearly €1,500, with a further €2,238 allocated for its operations in the Barraduff and Rathmore areas. The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and the Kerry Cancer Support Group also received countywide allocations to assist their ongoing voluntary work. Local amenities and social groups were well represented in the funding list. Kilcummin Looking Good received over €3,600 across two grants for village improvements, while the Killarney Musical Society and Ireland Bikefest each secured €2,500.

fidence and self-belief.

The daily schedule at Milltown FC is designed to balance enjoyment with high-level technical development. The itinerary features a mix of introductory games, speed and movement exercises, and individual development drills. Competitive play is also a key component, with small-sided games, tournaments, and individual assessments planned to help participants track their own progress on the pitch. In addition to physical and technical training, the camp prioritizes social development. The environment is structured to help children make new friends and enjoy the learning process in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children for the sessions at Milltown FC can reach out to Robin directly at 083-1503511 for more information on registration and the full holiday schedule.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & 1ST ANNIVERSARY O’DONOGHUE

In loving memory of Annette O’Donoghue (nee Courtney) Dunn Court House, Pike Hill, Lissivigeen, Killarney who passed on 23rd March 2025.

As we lovingly remember Annette on her first anniversary, we, her husband Mike, her sons Michael and Mark and their families, along with her extended family, wish to acknowledge and thank all who supported us over the past year. Your gentle sympathy and practical kindness will be remembered forever.

To those who called to the house for the removal, attended the funeral mass and months mind, those who sent mass cards, kind messages and prayers we truly appreciate it.

Our sincere thanks to doctors Donal and Fiona Coffey and all their staff at the Ross Medical Practice in Killarney, to all the doctors, nurses, carers and wider staff that treated Annette at UHK (Kerry), CUH (Cork) and the Mercy University Hospital (Cork).

A special word of thanks to Dr Mags Clifford, Dr Cian O’Leary and the nurses (both in the hospital and those who called to the house), carers and wider palliative care team at UHK. The care and kindness Annette and her family received from you at a very difficult time was second to none.

We will be forever grateful to Fr Kieran O’Brien, Fr Roger Kelliher and Sr Regina, who’s prayerful presence at the time of Annette’s passing was of great comfort. Also, we would like to thank Fr O’Brien and his fellow celebrants for a touching homily at Annette’s requiem mass.

Thanks to Annette’s niece Lisa and sister Paula for their beautiful singing and their fellow musicians who provided the music at the funeral mass. We would also like to thank Danny and Maura Healy-Rae who played so well at the grave side.

Thanks to Mike’s sister Sheila and the team at Ros Printers Killarney for providing the Church booklets.

A sincere thanks to Annette’s former colleagues and good friends that worked with her in St Finan’s Hospital for a moving guard of honour on the day of the funeral. The stories and fond memories of Annette that they shared with us over the few days after her passing have stuck with us.

Thanks to all who brought food to the house, directed traffic, and to all our friends and neighbours for all their help at such a difficult time.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the extended Courtney and O’Donoghue families for all the help, support, friendship and kindness over the past 12 months. Very much appreciated.

Thanks to Mike’s sister Margaret (RIP) who called to see Annette every Sunday during her illness. We will be forever grateful and keep you in our prayers.

A very special thanks to Annette’s grandchildren and apples of her eye, Lily, Grace and Bonnie for always being so good to their Nana while she was alive and lifting spirits since she passed.

Finally, as it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an expression of our sincere gratitude. The holy sacrament of mass has been offered for your intentions.

Annette has positively touched so many lives and her family always enjoy hearing the stories.

Remembering you

The day you left and gained your wings my heart just broke in two.

I wish you could have stayed with me but heaven needed you too.

You left me with the memories and I love you dearly still. No matter how much time goes by You know I always will.

First Anniversary Mass on Tuesday 24th March at 6.15pm in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

TO

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

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. MM

1ST ANNIVERSARY

O’DONOGHUE

In loving memory of Annette O’Donoghue Dunne Court, Pike Hill, Killarney who died on 23rd March 2025.

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

So rest in peace dear loved one And thanks for all you’ve done We pray that God has given you The crown you’ve truly won.

Sadly missed by sister-in-law Rose, George and Craig McKenzie Vass.

3RD ANNIVERSARY SWEENEY

In loving memory of Pat Sweeney Tomies, Beaufort, Killarney who died on 22nd March 2023.

A bouquet of beautiful memories Sprayed with a million tears Wishing God could have spared you If just for a few more years.

It does not take a special day For us to think of you Each Mass we hear, each prayer we say Is offered up for you.

We cannot bring the old days back When we were all together Our family chain is broken now But memories live forever.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by your wife Margaret, brother-in-law Patie, sons Michael and Padraig, daughters Siobhán, Sinéad and Mairéad, your 11 grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law.

Anniversary Mass on Monday 23rd March at 7.00pm in the Prince of Peace Church, Fossa.

33RD & 13TH ANNIVERSARIES MCGILLICUDDY

In loving memory of Tim and Mary McGillicuddy late of Tiernaboul, Killarney Tim who died on 22nd February 1993 and Mary who died on 25th March 2013. May they Rest in Peace.

A gentle thought, a silent prayer For someone special are in God’s care Never more than a thought away Loved and remembered every day.

Remembered always by your son Pat, Val, Sam and family.

1ST BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE FLEMING

Áine Fleming Pinewood, Killarney whose birthday occurs on 25th March. Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to our beautiful mother and devoted wife.

Today we remember you with so much love in our hearts. You were the centre of our family, always caring, always giving, always making sure everyone else was okay. Your kindness, your laughter, and the warmth you brought into our home are things we miss every single day.

Though you are no longer here with us, your love still surrounds us and guides us. We see you in the little things, in the memories we share, and in the love you left behind.

We wish we could celebrate this day with you the way we used to. But instead we celebrate your life, your love, and the beautiful mother and wife you were. Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

Happy Birthday in Heaven. Love Joe and Family, who love you dearly.

2ND ANNIVERSARY CREAGH

(NEE

O’KEEFFE)

In loving memory of Eileen Creagh (nee O’Keeffe) 22 Whitebridge, Killarney and formally of Bounard, Gneeveguilla who died on 21st March 2024. May her gentle sould Rest in Peace.

Happy memories keep forever Of days when we were all together They bring a smile and often a tear And always a wish that you were still here.

Always loved and remembered by your sons Sean and Con, daughter-in-law Geraldine, and grandchildren Sophie and Connie.

2nd Anniversary Mass for Eileen on Sunday 22nd March at 9.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Gneeveguilla.

JESUS

May your Sacred Heart Lord Jesus, be praised, glorified and honoured throughout the whole world now and forever. Repeat this 3 times.

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. DO

www.killarneyadvertiser.ie

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & 1ST ANNIVERSARY

BUCKLEY

In loving memory of Noreen Buckley (nee O’Connell) Ardshanavooly, Killarney and formerly of Loo Bridge who passed away on 26th March 2025. Aged 74 years.

As we lovingly remember Noreen on her first anniversary, we, her family, wish to acknowledge and thank all who supported us through those first days of grief and continued support to us over the past year. Your kindness will be remembered always.

To those who called to the house, sent mass cards and flowers, offered condolences, attended the funeral home and funeral mass and all who shared fond memories of Noreen, we are forever grateful.

Thanks to Dr Noonan and all at Deenagh Medical Practice, the palliative care team, public health nurses, The District Hospital and the staff of Kennelly’s Pharmacy.

A special word of thanks to Fr Vitalis for guiding us through the days after Noreen’s death and saying a lovely funeral mass.

We would like to thank O’Shea’s undertakers for their professionalism and help organising the funeral, especially the family rosary in her home.

A special thanks to Denis and Helen for the beautiful music at the mass.

We would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation Noreen’s loyal and close friends and neighbours in Ardshan, who were unwavering in their companionship and support over the years. We know it meant so much to Noreen.

We would like to thank her work colleagues at Killarney County Council for the guard of honour and especially Noel O’Leary for his kindness during Noreen’s illness.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an expression of our sincere gratitude. The holy sacrament of the mass has been offered for your intentions.

No length of time can take away Thoughts of you from day to day

Though absent you are always near Still loved, still missed, still very dear.

First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 26th March at 9.30am in the Church of the Resurrection, Killarney.

1ST ANNIVERSARY

BUCKLEY

In loving memory of Noreen Buckley (nee O’Connell) Ardshanavooly, Killarney and formerly of Loo Bridge who passed away on 26th March 2025.

Of all the special gifts in life However great or small To have you as our Mam It was the greatest gift of all.

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

When we think of all the memories That will never fade away We are so thankful to have had a Mam Who brought joy to every day.

Just a prayer from the family who loved you

Just a memory fond and true In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you.

Loved and missed every day, your daughter Majella, Pat, Trevor, Mark, Lucy, Hugo, Oscar, Justus and Paddy.

1ST ANNIVERSARY

BUCKLEY

In loving memory of Noreen Buckley (nee O’Connell) Ardshanavooly, Killarney and formerly of Loo Bridge who passed away on 26th March 2025.

God saw you getting tired A cure was not to be So he put his arms around you And whispered “Come To Me”.

A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Loved and missed every day, your daughter Bernie, Brendan, Nicola, Kenneth, Aoife and Sean.

7TH ANNIVERSARY

TANGNEY

Oh, Jesus full of grace and charity, victim for sinners, so impelled by your love of us that you willed to die on the cross. I humbly entreat Thee to glorify in heaven and on earth, the servant of God. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, who generously participated in Your sufferings, who loved Thee so much and laboured so faithfully for the glory of your heavenly Father and for the good of souls. With confidence, I beseech Thee to grant me, through his intercession, the grace of....which I ardently desire. 3 times; Glory be to the Father...

Imprimatur Manfredonia 12-3-1971 Valentino Vailati, Archbishop.

In loving memory of Donie Tangney Ballyspillane and Ross Road who passed away on 18th March 2019.

Though heaven and earth divide us We are never far apart For you are always in our thoughts And forever in our hearts.

Fondly remembered by Valerie, Bryan, Ivan and families.

3RD ANNIVERSARY WALSHE (NEE MORRISSEY)

In loving memory of a beautiful daughter & sister Breda Bridgefield, Upper Lewis Road, Killarney who died on 20th March 2023.

Our hearts are full of memories With pride we speak your name Though life goes 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.

Thinking of you today and always Safe in the loving arms of your mother Kathleen.

Always loved and dearly missed by your father Eddie, your brother Michael, your sisters Sheila, Martina, Patricia, Eileen and Adrienne, your sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

6TH ANNIVERSARY O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of Patrick (Paddy) O’ Sullivan Lyreatough, Kilcummin, Killarney who passed away on 22nd March 2020.

Treasured memories keep you near As time unfolds another year Out of our lives you may be gone But in our hearts you still live on.

Always remembered and sadly missed by your loving wife Teresa, son Tommy, daughters Mary and Eileen, and their families.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 21st March at 7.30pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

14TH ANNIVERSARY KELLY

In loving memory of Emily and Alannah Kelly Shronedraugh, Headford, Killarney 22nd March 2012.

Our beautiful twin girls, so precious and rare Two little angels beyond compare. With bows in your hair and sparkles so bright We picture you dancing in soft pink light.

Fourteen years on, yet it feels like today The moment you fluttered and slipped away.

Forever our daughters, gentle and true Every heartbeat still whispers of you.

Lovingly remembered and forever missed by Mom and Dad, and your three brothers Darragh, Jayden and Odhran.

5TH ANNIVERSARY

HICKEY

In loving memory of my husband Timmy Hickey Aunaskirtane, Rathmore. who died on 24th March 2021.

I little knew that morning That God was going to call your name In life I loved you dearly In death I do the same.

It broke my heart to lose you You did not go alone

For parts of me went with you The day God called you home.

Sadly missed and forever loved by your loving wife Margaret.

5TH ANNIVERSARY

HICKEY

In loving memory of our father Timmy Hickey Aunaskirtane, Rathmore who died on 24th March 2021.

Dad You held our hands when we were small

You caught us when we fell

You’re the hero of our childhood

And our later years as well.

And every time we think of you

Our hearts still filled with pride

Though we’ll always miss you Dad

We know you’re by our side.

In laughter and in sorrow

In sunshine and through rain

We know you are watching over us

Until we meet again.

Loved and missed every day by your sons and daughters, Neilus, Mairead, Timothy, Flora and John, and families.

6TH ANNIVERSARY

O’REGAN

In loving memory of Mikie Joe O’Regan. Meenagishaugh, Gneeveguilla who passed away on 21st March 2020.

For you were someone special

Always such a joy to know

And there was so much pain

When it was time to let you go.

That’s why this special message Is sent to heaven above

For the angels to take care of you And give you all our love.

Always remembered by your loving wife Laura, sons Dermot, Fred, Anthony, Adrian and Mike, Mike’s partner Deirdre and grandsons Mikie D, James T and Kai J.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 22nd March at 9.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Gneeveguilla.

11TH ANNIVERSARY O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of Patrick O’ Sullivan ‘Killarney Villa’, Lissivigeen, Killarney who died on 26th March 2015.

Treasured memories keep you near As time unfolds another year

Out of our lives you may be gone But in our hearts you still live on.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Rose, Cathal and Briet.

13TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of Thomas (Tom) O’Shea Ballymalis, Beaufort, Killarney who passed away on 24th March 2013.

Somewhere beyond the sunset Where loved ones never die

You sleep in a beautiful garden Beneath a golden sky.

Though Heaven and earth divide us We are never far apart For you are always in our thoughts And forever in our hearts.

You left behind some beautiful memories Your love is still our guide And though we cannot see you You are always by our side.

19TH ANNIVERSARY FLEMING

Treasured memories of our loving mother Bunny (Mary) Fleming 44 St. Brendan’s Terrace, Killarney who died on 21st March 2007.

A special person, a smiling face Someone we love and can never replace A loving nature, a heart of gold the very best this world could hold.

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

Loving remembered by Derry, Michael, Maria and all the family.

20TH & 33RD ANNIVERSARIES

MAHONY

In loving memory of Nell and Thade Mahony late of The Bower, Rathmore Nell who died on 13th June 2006 and Thade who died on 25th March 1993.

No words we write can ever say

How much we miss you every day

No one knows the grief we bear

When the family gathers and you’re not there.

We laugh, we talk, we play the part

But beyond the sorrow are broken hearts

The sorrow we feel, we can never explain And the ache in our hearts will always remain.

In God’s care ye rest above

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. JD

Others were taken, yes I know

But you were mine, I loved you so

A prayer, a tear, till the end of time For a loving husband, I was proud to call mine.

Always remembered by your loving wife Mary, children John, Mary, Bridgetta and Thomas, son-in-law Stephen, daughters-in-law Niamh and Elaine, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 21st March at 6.15pm in St Mary’s Cathedral.

MIRACLE PRAYER

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. AF

In our hearts ye rest with love

Time passes, memories stay

Quietly remembered every day.

Lovingly and sadly missed by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

MIRACLE PRAYER

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. LF

SPORT

SUPER

Kerry among seven teams fighting for points in final round

in the final.

The mathematics for Kerry are relatively simple. Win or draw versus Armagh and they’re guaranteed to be heading to Dublin for the decider on March 29. Lose and they will be overtaken by the winner of Mayo v Roscommon.

If Kerry are to advance to another Division 1 final they will have to get a result away to 2024 All-Ireland champions Armagh in the final round of National League fixtures on Sunday.

Last weekend’s impressive win against Mayo has left the Kingdom on nine points, joint top with Donegal, who have them on the head-to-head. Mayo are still very much in contention on eight points, level with their opponents in Round 7, Roscommon, who are also chasing a spot

If that all-Connacht clash ends in a draw and Kerry lose, Kerry will still qualify as long as they avoid a massive defeat (28+ points) up in Armagh.

Jack O’Connor will naturally be demanding that his players are focussed on the task at hand, and they will have their work cut out against a team that are fighting for survival near the bottom of the table.

As things stand, the Orchard County are just outside the relegation zone thanks

to their head-to-head advantage over Dublin, which they earned in dramatic fashion at Croke Park on Saturday. In simple terms, Armagh need to match or better Dublin’s result against Galway. That means if they beat Kerry they will be safe. If they fail to beat Kerry and Dublin defeat Galway, Kieran McGeeney and co. will be joining already-relegated Monaghan in Division 2 in 2027. It’s also possible for Armagh to avoid the drop even if they are defeated, but they

will need Dublin to also be defeated for this to happen.

Galway are in fifth, two points clear of Armagh and Dublin, but they will slip into the bottom two if they lose to the Dubs by four or more points and Armagh beat Kerry.

All four Round 7 fixtures will be staged simultaneously on Sunday at 3.30pm. Armagh v Kerry live is on the BBC iPlayer and GAA+, Galway v Dublin is on TG4, and both Mayo v Roscommon and Monaghan v Donegal will be available on the TG4 YouTube channel.

O’Shea kicks wonder score as Kingdom trounce Mayo

Adam Moynihan reports from Austin Stack Park, Tralee

Kerry 2 - 29 | Mayo 0 - 19

AUSTIN STACK PARK

The home crowd were treated to some spectacular football at Austin Stack Park last Saturday evening as Kerry threw off the shackles and racked up a big score against fellow league final contenders Mayo.

Two second half goals by the lively Dylan Geaney sent the Kingdom on their way and outrageous efforts from distance by Seánie O’Shea and David Clifford completely crushed the visitors’ spirit.

The result leaves the defending champions in a strong position to finish in the top two. Victory over Armagh on Sunday will be enough to book another date in Croker.

ELEMENTS

Mayo had the elements in their favour in the first period and they made good use of the wind on occasion with Jordan Flynn, Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue scoring beauties from beyond the arc. Young Kobe McDonald, who was drafted in last-minute for Aidan O’Shea, also showed glimpses of his undeniable

YOU BEAUTY: Seán O'Shea celebrates with teammate Dylan Geaney during the Mayo match at Austin Stack Park. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.

star quality.

They only managed 10 points in total before the first hooter, however, with Jason Foley and Paul Murphy to the fore in Kerry’s defence. Shane Murphy also foiled the Mayo attack in the 29th minute when he bravely denied McDonald with an inspirational double save.

The hosts, meanwhile, were more economical in attack, showing patience and sound decision making and picking off scores when the right opportunity arose. Dylan Geaney and David Clifford registered 0-3 apiece while fellow inside forward Keith Evans chipped in with 0-2, but the point of the half as far as Kerry were concerned came from the boot of newly crowned Club Footballer of the Year Tom O’Sullivan, who pinged over a maximum-length one-pointer that delighted the capacity crowd.

As the rain began to fall in Tralee, the teams retired for half-time with scoreboard showing Kerry 0-13 Mayo 0-10.

EXCELLENCE

Some sloppy play gifted Mayo scoring

opportunities in the third quarter but they failed to take full advantage. (The wind had died down by now but you wouldn’t have known it by their shooting numbers.)

Meanwhile, at the other end, Kerry really started moving through the gears. They racked up 1-7 without reply between the 38th and 43rd minute with Clifford (long two-pointer), O’Shea (two-point free), Joe O’Connor and O’Shea again putting the ball between the posts. The goal came from the boot of Geaney who profited from the quick hands and vision of Clifford and O’Shea and forced it past Rob Hennelly via a wicked deflection.

The Dingle forward bagged his second goal in the 53rd minute – no hint of a deflection this time as he arrowed a perfect strike that rattled the back of the Mayo net. Once again, O’Shea and Clifford were the architects. This made it 2-21 to 0-14 and the damage was done. There was still time for O’Shea to kick the score of the day and, perhaps, the season. When Micheál Burns escaped some Mayo pressure near the edge of the arc by laying the ball back to Kerry’s number 11 soccer style, no one could have foreseen what happened next. Instead of bending his back to pick it up, O’Shea struck it first time off the deck,

sending a perfect, curling shot high and over the bar. A two-pointer from play off the ground… It was simply majestic. The final winning margin of 16 was an accurate reflection of the gulf in class on the day. Clifford was the official Man of the Match but Paul Murphy, Jason Foley and the irrepressible O’Shea must have been right up there too.

KERRY: Shane Murphy; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Tom O’Sullivan 0-1, Tadhg Morley, Armin Heinrich; Seán O’Brien 0-1, Joe O’Connor 0-1; Cillian Trant, Seánie O’Shea 0-11 (2tp, 2ptf), Graham O’Sullivan 0-1; Dylan Geaney 2-3, David Clifford 0-8 (2tp), Keith Evans 0-2.

Subs: Micheál Burns for G O’Sullivan; Mike Breen 0-1 for T O’Sullivan; Tomás Kennedy for Geaney; Liam Smith for O’Brien; Tom Leo O’Sullivan for P Murphy; Eddie Healy for Casey (temp).

MAYO: Rob Hennelly; Jack Coyne, Rory Brickenden, Donnacha McHugh; Sam Callinan 0-1, Diarmuid O’Connor, Conal Dawson; Bob Tuohy, David McBrien; Jack Carney 0-2 (1tp), Ryan O’Donoghue 0-8 (4f, 2tp), Jordan Flynn 0-2 (1tp); Darragh Beirne, Kobe McDonald 0-1, Fergal Boland 0-3 (1tp).

Subs: Seán Morahan for Dawson; Diarmuid Duffy for McHugh; Stephen Coen for O’Connor; Aidan O’Shea for Beirne; Cillian O’Connor for Tuohy.

Eamonn Fitzgerald reflects on the positives and the negatives from Kerry’s big win over Mayo

One must exercise caution and not get carried away with that 16-point win over Mayo at Tralee on Saturday last.

Was I impressed? Yes, but the Mayo of old turned up, profligate as usual, shooting 14 wides. That same mí-ádh that has dogged them since 1951. They won their All-Irelands in 1936, 1950, and 1951 (and what happened in 1925 is grist to the mill for another edition of the Killarney Advertiser – ‘tis a long story).

Seánie O’Shea, David Clifford and Dylan Geamey were the chief scorers. Kerry had 25 scores from 26 shots. Mayo had 13 from 33. QED. Simple maths. But there could have been different headlines if their bright young star, Kobe McDonald, had scored six minutes before half-time. An early point by the 18-year-old Leaving Cert student had the near 10,000 attendance purring, and he was right on target for a goal from close in range only for the acrobatics and brave blocking by Shane Murphy, not just once but a double save from the top drawer. In that split second we saw the potential of Kobe, who has the instinctive drive to spot an opportunity and beat any defence. The 6-foot-plus starlet is bound for St Kilda, a hot topic as several counties have suffered from the baby snatchers in the AFL. Who is the chief scout, but multi-millionaire Tadhg Kennelly, who came home to win an All-Ireland with Kerry at midfield in 2009?

Equally, the incident shows the competence of Murphy, who has been outstanding in this league, saving several goal-bound shots behind a leaky defence.

Let’s not get carried away…

WORK IN PROGRESS

One can't argue with a clear-cut 2-29 to 0-19 win, but Kerry were in real trouble at midfield, especially in that opening quarter when Mayo controlled the centre. The injured Mark O’Shea was sorely missed for his aerial prowess, and Mayo were able to cut lanes right through Kerry.

Veteran Paul Murphy was superb throughout, but there were weaknesses in the half-back line that could have cost Kerry dearly against more accurate forwards. While Tom O’Sullivan is elegant and controlled as ever going forward, he neglects his prime duty as a defender. Scoring one point while your direct opponent scored more is false economy.

Have the lessons of the 2022 All-Ireland final been forgotten? Yes, Kerry won that day thanks to the brilliance of David Clifford, who just kept Kerry breasting the finishing tape by a short neck from the Shane Walsh-inspired Galway. Kerry are in a good position as the league finishes and the race for Sam commences. Most of the starting 15 in last year's victory are available for selection. Mike Breen did well on his return. Gavin White is available after a long layoff, but wisely, he was not used last week. Paul Geaney was also togged out, but the new Kerry captain may not start until much later in the championship. Brian Ó Beaglaoich is back playing with his club and will be looking for his place on the wing.

There could have been different headlines if Mayo’s bright young star, Kobe McDonald, had scored that goal before half-time.

ARMAGH CHALLENGE

Next up is a trip to Armagh, where the local team will be buoyed by that remarkable comeback against the Dubs, who are sorely missing their talisman Con O’Callaghan. Just like last year, it all comes down to the final round of the league. Donegal will defeat bottom-of-the-table Monaghan. All Kerry need is a draw away to Armagh, but that may not be as easy as it appears. Armagh will be fighting to avoid relegation, and Geezer would love to spring a surprise over the All-Ireland champions. He is as cranky as ever, picking up yellow cards for dissent against referees, disputing their interpretations of the New Rules.

Roscommon are still in contention. If they can beat Mayo, who are still reeling from the 16-point loss to Kerry, and Armagh beat Kerry, Roscommon can make it to the league final. Will Kerry risk playing David Clifford in a hostile Armagh setting?

Meanwhile, the Kerry hurlers are doing so well in Division 2 of the NHL. Their final game is a tough one away to Meath in Trim tomorrow. Currently second in the table to league leaders Laois, promotion is a realistic goal.

SURROUNDED: Dylan Casey of Kerry is tackled by Ryan O'Donoghue and David McBrien of Mayo. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/ Sportsfile.

x

Will town see a Sam-like homecoming for Oscar?

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

And the nation held its breath… Not for Jack Charlton’s heroes in this case but the Irish (in particular the people of Killarney) watched on as Marina and Tim Buckley’s daughter Jessie, one of our own, swept us away on that magic carpet to the famed Dolby Theatre 6,000 miles away in the USA.

Johnny O’Leary, Pádraig O’Keefe, Julia Clifford and so many of the departed geniuses of traditional Sliabh Luachra music ghosted back to the Arbutus on Saturday night/Sunday morning, setting off the most animated jig of all time as they celebrated Jessie’s Oscar for Best Actress. She made it, and we all bask in reflected

glory.

In some of those Hamnet scenes, she may as well have been back home in the Killarney National Park, free to live her childhood dreams. Unfettered dreams merged into reality on Mother’s Day 2026. What a Mother’s Day gift for Marina and indeed for Jessie’s own infant daughter, Isla. It was the Mother of all Mother’s Day celebrations. Maith thú, Jessie.

Last July, Killarney’s Gavin White, Kerry’s captain fantastic, brought Sam down Lewis Road, acknowledging The Arbutus in College Street and onto the Glebe Car Park for a rousing homecoming for Sam 39.

Councillor Botty O’Callaghan, never known to keep silent for more than two seconds, hit the nail on the head recent-

ly. “If Jessie wins, we should do the same for her as for Kerry.” Public recognition for his near neighbour in College Street. Spot on, Botty, your finger is on the pulse of the people. I’m sure you will be able to find an MC for the Sam-like Oscar party to beat all public parties.

Many readers may not know that Botty is a keen student of mythology, past and present. Oscar was a revered name as Gaeilge in the Fianna, fadó, fadó, the son of the poet-warrior Oisín and Niamh, and grandson of the legendary Fionn Mac Cumhaill. He was connected to Niamh’s mother, Sadhbh, who, for whatever reason, was turned into a deer. Oscar is often referred to as the deer lover, or ‘friend of the deer’. I wonder if that is the real reason why the number of deer in Killarney National Park and elsewhere has multi-

plied so dramatically.

Jessie’s grandparents, Norrie and Pat, were great followers of the GAA and never failed to ask if any promising garsúns would someday wear the geansaí to maintain Kerry’s grip on Sam. The Sam/ Oscar party should be held sooner rather than later, before the Road to Croker 2026 potentially opens up for Sam 40, which will be once again be decided in July.

At the Arbutus on College Street they danced a jig as they celebrated Jessie’s Academy Award for Best Actress.

We will remember them all with great fondness

Local sports followers were saddened this past week by the passing of Ollie Favier, Christy Sheehan and Ronnie Delany

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

OLLIE FAVIER RIP

Too soon and just too much to take in with the sudden passing of Ollie. An outstanding player with his muchloved home club Glenflesk GAA, he represented them in all grades from juvenile to senior, where he also starred with East Kerry in the Kerry SFC. He was a very proud player when Glenflesk won the Millennium Cup in 2000. When his playing days ended, he supported so many sporting occasions and teams.

Full of the joys of life, he was a very successful businessman, always in good humour, supportive, amiable, with a great concept of human relationships. As recently as two weeks ago, he smiled his way through the Hyrox challenge at the racecourse.

Ó Ríocht Chiarraí go Ríocht na Síorraíochta go raibh tú slán sábháilte, Ollie. To his wife Siobhán, his loving children Frankie and Gracie-Mai, his

brothers Paul and Ciarán, his mother Marian, his sisters Danielle and Sinéad, and his many friends, comhbhrón ó chroí.

CHRISTY SHEEHAN RIP

Christy, one of Killarney’s old stock, has been synonymous with the promotion of basketball in Killarney for seven decades. He recalled so many great stories from the early days of the New Sreet team, St Mary’s, St Vincent's and St Paul's. He created pictures of great times, and it was fitting that St Paul's presented him with a special award for his unstinting service, ensuring that, despite the huge costs involved, he managed the club purses so efficiently that both the women’s and men's teams continued to travel all over the country with stunning successes. He was stoic in his loss of sight, but he never lost sight of the growth of basketball and was very proud that St Paul's will be joining with two other sports clubs in Direen for a permanent

home base.

His maxim was: ‘Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.’ And he certainly had courage on and off the court. The smiling face of the Laurels bar manager is gone, but he promoted basketball to the very last seconds on the clock to visualise St Paul's winning once more on the buzzer.

Safely home, Christy. Comhbhrón to his wife Breda, and family, Joey, David, Paul, and Karen, brother Joseph, sisters Barbara and Marie, and the many Killarney people who will remember him with great fondness. His offspring and his grandchildren are to the fore, driving St Paul's to the top. Christy was buried in Aghadoe, overlooking ‘the town he loved so well’.

RONNIE DELANY RIP

The Irish Olympian gold medallist in the Melbourne Olympic Games 1500 metres had a long and fruitful life. Surprisingly, he retired from competitive

running at the age of 26 and devoted his life in service to Irish athletics and to his family.

I met him in Deansgrange Cemetery, Dublin, when he unveiled a magnificent headstone to another Olympian, Eamonn Fitzgerald, better known in family circles as Ned Seán Óg from Castlecove, who also won All-Irelands with Kerry in the 1929-1932 four-in-a-row. Full credit to Weeshie Fogarty and the Kerryman’s Association in Dublin for giving Delany the honour of remembering the feats of Ned Sean Óg, the forgotten Olympian. He gave a most thoughtful and sincere oration in Deansgrange. He said: “I was remembered for 1956 in Melbourne, but I had the privilege of the athletic scholarship in Villanova; Eamonn Fitzgerald trained on his own, jumping over gates and across streams, a tremendous athlete in several sports.”

That was Delany, proud of his win but gracious and humble. One still wonders what prayer he said when he knelt after breasting the tape. Last week Ronnie Delany, a runaway winner for Ireland, answered the last shotgun start.

By Enda Walshe

Utility Trust St Paul’s head into the playoffs and the biggest seven days of their season with the added bonus of home comforts. This Sunday, March 22 at 3.45pm, they entertain Flomax Liffey Celtics in the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.

hoping for big local crowd at Super League quarter-final |

The Celtics are a fine side, with some very impressive performances in recent years, especially in the National Cup, and they will be a huge challenge for James Fleming's squad.

Should Paul’s prevail from that test intact, they will again have home advantage in the semi-final. But at this stage of the season, it's best to take it one game at a time.

The Killarney women have that advantage after earning top position in the regular season, a privilege also extended to second place Killester who face McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles. The other quarter-final sees Trinity Meteors play Waterford Wildcats, and all the games are pencilled in for this weekend.

This will be the third time St Paul’s will have faced the Celtics this season. Back in November Maisie Burnham hit a season high 33 points, leading the way in an 81-68 win in Leixlip. On Valentine's Day in Killarney, the hosts were even more impressive, with Burnham, Lorraine Scanlon and Tara Cousins combining for 60 points in an 84-65 triumph. But those results will go out the window as this game takes a knockout element to it.

In-form St Paul’s set for home playoff opener Club

The Celtics are laced with talent and have won their three games since that February 14 loss. Fr Mathews, the Portlaoise Panthers and the Eagles were all dispatched and the Paul’s defeat was their only reverse in the last five games. They are, of course, spearheaded by Sorcha Tiernan, the mercurial Irish International who is the spiritual leader of the team. Katie Williamson has returned to the club following her college career in the USA while Aine O’Connor is another with international pedigree.

The secret to St Paul’s success in recent games over the Celtics is the defensive pressure they have applied to Brooke Kane and Destinee Bursch. Keeping two players of that quality to just under 30 points in both games gave them a huge platform for the win but given the quality of the professional duo, another defensive stifling will be essential to any win.

St Paul’s played through the second part

of the regular season in great form with UCC Glanmire the only side to take their scalp. The wins over the Wildcats and Killester will be part of their end of season highlight reel while the win over Brunell on the last day of the regular season was outstanding. The recruitment of the aforementioned Burnham, Cousins and Lovisa Hevinder has been a huge success. Cousins is in the top five in the league for assists with Burnham and Hevinder in the top five for three pointers. Lorraine Scanlon is the top Irish rebounder in the league, a facet Síofra O’Shea gives her great assistance with.

Leah McMahon’s defensive prowess is well lauded, but she has hit double figures in scoring three times since Christmas, a sign of progress in her game. Denise Dunlea has used her experience at crucial times this season while Deirdre Geaney presents great options off the bench. The wonder that is Lynn Jones continues to go on, something that is an example to young starlets Naoise O’Connor, Annie

Brosnan and Clodagh O’Sullivan. It has been a huge and historic effort by James Fleming's side to hit the top of the Super League in only their second season. They will be looking to their supporters and the people of Killarney to give them a push towards a semi-final and put them another step forward on the road to Tallaght. But the Celtics are an experienced crafty side. It promises to be a humdinger. Don’t miss out!

LAKERS

Meanwhile, the club’s male senior team, the Lakers, are also in playoff quarter-final action in the National League. Luke O’Hea’s side will face the Drogheda Wolves away in Ballymakenny College at 7.30pm this Saturday night.

The Lakers just missed out on a home fixture when they lost their final regular season game against Maree by six points last weekend. Steve Kelly top scored for the Lakers with 26 as Sam Grant (17), Eoin Carroll (14) and Jack O’Sullivan (12) also hit double digits.

The other Division 1 quarter-final ties see the Limerick Sport Eagles playing Moy Tolka Rovers at home, Maree entertaining the Carrick Cruisers, and the Titans making the trip to Dublin to take on the Lions

The Killarney side played through the second part of the regular season in great form.

WINNING TIME: St Paul's players Maisie Burnham and Tara

are ready to lead their team into the Super League playoffs.

Killarney Athletic

PARADE: We would like to thank everyone that took part in the St Patricks Day Parade

BOYS U15 CUP QUARTER-FINAL: Camp 1 - 4 Killarney Athletic Shéa Driver x 3 Leo Nash x 1. A solid performance from our young Blues today secures our place in the Cup Semi-Final Thanks to Camp for a good game.

BOYS U15 DIVISION 3: Killarney Athletic D 5 - 7 MEK. Goals: Leon Hebda (2), Sean O’Connor, Sebastian Zaranek, OG. Athletic were punished for not taking chances and unlucky to come out the wrong side of a high scoring, end-to-end match. Thanks to MEK for the sporting game.

BOYS U13 TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL: Ardfert A 1 - 5 Killarney Athletic B. A very early start in Ardfert didn't affect the boys as they had a fast start going 1 up early on. With a 2 nil HT lead they knew the job wasn't done yet and continued to play well in the second half adding more goals. Thanks to the Ref and to Ardfert for a great game. Oisin O'Sullivan x 2 Finn McDonald x 1 Oran Barrett x 1 Jakub Slowakiewiz x 1.

U14 GIRLS PREMIER: Killarney Athletic 10 Mastergeeha. Erica Moloney x1. Player of the Game Elizabeth Brosnan. GIRLS U12 CUP QF: Killarney Athletic 1-1 Park FT (Park winning 3-1 after extra time). Killarney Athletic A welcomed Park Tralee to Woodlawn for a late 4:15pm kick-off in what turned out to be a thrilling and hard-fought cup tie. Captained by Melania, Killarney Athletic showed great determination throughout the game. Park Tralee took an early lead to go 0-1 ahead, but Killarney responded brilliantly. A superb goal from Hollie Shevlin brought the sides level at 1-1 and sent the game into extra time. Despite battling all the way to the final whistle, Park Tralee eventually came out on top in a closely contested encounter. A special mention goes to Emily O’Donoghue de Vries, who made a huge impact when introduced and delivered a standout all-action performance. Best of luck to Park Tralee in the cup, and thanks also to the referee for officiating.

Killarney Celtic

LOTTO: Numbers drawn 3, 4, 22, 25. No Jackpot winner. Match 3 winners received €150. Next jackpot €8,000 on Monday March 23rd. Tickets available from The Dungeon Bookshop, Amber Shop (Top of Ross Road), club members and online through ClubZap.

KDL PREMIER: Castleisland AFC 0-3 Killarney Celtic. Liam Carey, Trpimir Vrlijcak, Stephen McCarthy. In a must win game Celtic gained the advantage after just 4 minutes when Liam Carey netted. Celtic were 2 up on 30 minutes after Trpimir Vrljicak found the net. Celtic sealed the vital win when Stephen McCarthy was on the mark after 66minutes. Celtic remain 2nd in the table.

MUNSTER FA U17 CUP SEMI-FINAL:

Pike Rovers 5-0 Killarney Celtic. Celtic went down to Pike Rovers in this Munster semi-final after a tough start which saw the initiative swing against Celtic. A stronger showing in the 2nd half went unrewarded on the scoreboard as Pike finished clear winners.

U16 PREMIER: Killarney Celtic 4-2 Mastergeeha. Jason Harrington, Conor McElligott, Stephen Shine Doody, Tristan Murphy. In a well contested match last week Celtic overcame Mastergeeha. Celtic were ahead before Mastergeeha came back into the game but Celtic came again to take the win.

U15 CUP: Castleisland AFC A 5-1 Killarney Celtic B. Paul McGrath. Castleisland A were just that little too strong in this cup tie last weekend.

U15 DIV 1: Killarney Celtic B 3-4 Fenit. Cillian Scannell, Conor Doherty, Luke Clifford. Celtic B pushed Fenit all the way in this entertaining encounter.

U15 TROPHY: Castleisland AFC B 1-2 Killarney Celtic C. Eoin Murphy 2. Celtic C qualified for the U15 Trophy semi-final after a 2 goal blast from Eoin Murphy secured the win.

U13 CUP: St Brendan's Park 5-2 Killarney Celtic. Jamie Downing. Celtic were off the pace here as Park qualified for the next round. Park gained the advantage and despite good Celtic pressure there was to be no way back in this cup tie.

MUNSTER FA WOMEN’S JUNIOR CUP: Abbeyfeale Utd 1-1 Killarney Celtic; Abbeyfeale win on penalties.

SYMPATHY: Killarney Celtic extends deepest condolences to the family of the late Ollie Favier.

Mastergeeha

GIRLS U12 CUP: Killorglin 0 Mastergeeha FC 3. Massive Congratulations to the girls on a hard-fought win against an excellent Killorglin team. Ellie Doherty finished brilliantly at the back post just before half time to give Mastergeeha the lead. Gracie Maher then added two further goals in the second half to seal the victory and a place in the semi-final.

U14 GIRLS PREMIER: Killarney Athletic 1 Mastergeeha 0.

U13 BOYS JOHN-JOE NAUGHTON TROPHY: MEK B 0 Mastergeeha A 6. Man of the Match Callum O’Connor. Well done to our u13 A boys on a good win in Fossa on Saturday morning. This was a very work man like performance and players such as Eoin O’Leary, Gavin Murphy & Tom Hughes had fine games. Callum O’Connor was superb throughout. Well done to MEK who gave it their all and thanks to the ref for a great game.

U15 BOYS HEALY FAMILY TROPHY QF: Dingle A 8 Mastergeeha B 2.

U12 BOYS PREMIER: Listowel Celtic 0 Mastergeeha 3. Mastergeeha U12s boys played their last game of the 2025/2026 Season on Saturday morning away to Listowel Celtic. Mastergeeha got off to a great start with a goal within the 1st minute from Dara O'Keeffe, great touch

and hold up play by Thomas O'Sullivan and Dara O'Keeffe clinical with bottom right finish. Mastergeeha dominated 1st half with a good physical game with Listowel in midfield from Ronan O'Neill, Dara O’Keeffe, Thomas Corkery and Dara Burchill with the powerhouse defence of Sean Breen, Josh O'Sullivan and Nathan Cronin. On the 22nd minute a great ball played from Sean Breen in right back over the top to Thomas O'Sullivan to go from halfway line and fired home to put us 2-0. Dara O'Keeffe very unlucky with a couple of chances and Dara Burchill went for a long range shot from halfway line seeing keeper off the line. Mastergeeha having a strong wind in the second half saw Aidan McGuire with Jake Kelly upfront dominate the attack in the last 20 minutes and the 3rd goal came from a great ball played out from Ronan O’Leary in goal finding Aidan McGuire on the right to find Jake Kelly upfront to switch to Dara O'Keeffe to put it bottom right corner. Huge thanks to Zac Garvey today's referee for a great game and communication throughout. Today's sees our season come to an end in the We want to thank Tadhg Brosnan Mastergeeha for all his help and assistance in pitch and match fixtures and also thank David Slattery Kerry Schoolboys and Girls League for all his assistance throughout the season. Today's Man of the Match goes to Ronan O'Neill.

U12 BOYS DIVISION 2: Mastergeeha C 4 Fenit B 1.

Killarney Legion GAA

OSCARS: All at the club are delighted to be able to congratulate Jessie Buckley on a historic achievement this week on winning her first (of hopefully many) academy award wins. As is now common knowledge this week, Jessie has made history in becoming the first Irish woman to win an Oscar for Best actress in a leading role. Best wishes from everyone at the club. Footnote, Jessie’s younger brother Killian was also part of a history making team as he was corner back on the Legion U14 team that won Feile for the first time in the clubs history back in 2006 and went on to represent the county at the National Feile in Wicklow that year.

CLUBPERSON OF THE YEAR: Legion Annual Awards Ceremony 2026 held in the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Friday 13th March 2026. It was a packed night of fun and laughter with Master of Ceremonies: Brian Looney and Joanne O’Riordan doing a fantastic job. On the night along with all the other awards, Club Person of the Year was presented to Eamonn Maguire. Eamonn was a worthy winner of this award as he is someone whose dedication goes far beyond, and a person who quietly ensures everything runs smoothly while expecting nothing in return. He gives countless hours of his time throughout the year often behind scenes, whether its organising teams, marking pitches in all types of weather, opening gates, washing jersey's, he is always there when the club needs

him. He was presented "The Cooper Cup" by Tommy Cronin,

SYMPATHIES: Sad news reached the club last weekend of the death of former underage player Eddie Costigan, son of the late Sean and Bridie. Sympathies to all of Eddies family and friends. The club was also saddened to hear of the passing of Christy Sheehan, a gentleman and a character. our condolences to Breda, joey, Dave, Paul and Karen and their families. The club also offers its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ollie Favier. The well-liked and respected Glenflesk man passed away last week. Our thoughts are with his wife Siobhán, children Gracie Mai and Frankie, his mother, sister and brothers. Ar Dheis De go raibh a Anam Dilis

Spa GAA

SENIOR MEN: Spa opened their McCarthy Insurance Group Senior Men’s County League Division 1 campaign with a narrow defeat away to Killarney Legion on Sunday. In difficult conditions, Spa produced a strong first-half performance to lead 0-9 to 0-6 at the break. The sides were evenly matched throughout the second half, but a decisive goal midway through the period helped swing momentum in Legion’s favour. Despite battling to the end, Spa fell just short on a final scoreline of 1-16 to 0-15.

MINOR LADIES: Just a few days after Spa’s first ever Minor Ladies match, the team backed it up with a second win with an impressive victory away to Laune Rangers B in very wet and windy conditions. The girls settled quickly and played some excellent football in the first half to lead 2–9 to 2–0 at the break. Spa continued their strong performance in the second half, showing great teamwork and work rate to add further scores and goals. It finished 6–11 to 2–3, with all players contributing to a very positive team display.

TAFT CUP: Congratulations to Spa players Eoin Brosnan (captain), Sam O’Shea, Aidan Hickey, Torin Lyne, Jack Gleeson and Jack O’Leary who were part of the St Brendan’s College panel that captured the Taft Cup Munster U15 Schools Final. It is a fantastic achievement for the players and their school, and a proud moment for Spa GAA to have so many representatives involved in a Munster winning team.

FIXTURES: Boys Minor Championship Shield Final – Sat 21st March, 1pm v Moyvane, in Caherslee Tralee. Senior Ladies Donal Curtin County League – Sun 22nd March, 12pm v Finuge/St Senan’s, HOME. Junior Men McCarthy Insurance Group County League Div 7B – Sun 22nd March, 2pm v Ballydonoghue, AWAY.

BOYS U14: Spa GAA’s Health & Wellbeing Committee recently hosted a Movember “Ahead of the Game” workshop in the clubhouse for our Boys U14 team. The session, delivered by Conor Bohane and Martin Stackpoole from the Gaelic Players Association, saw 23 players along with parents and coaches take part, focus-

ing on wellbeing and building resilience. Thanks to Conor and Martin for their time.

MOTHERS & OTHERS: Spa Mothers & Others returned after a five-month break with a fantastic turnout of 35 women for the first session back. Led by coach Kieran McCarty, the evening was full of energy with both familiar and new faces taking part. The group welcomes women of all abilities who would like to try football, enjoy some fitness or simply take an hour for themselves. For more information contact Susan Waters on 087 901 0999.

Dr Crokes GAA

SFL DIV 1: Dr. Crokes 1:14 Dingle 1:07. We began our Senior Football League campaign with a comprehensive win away to Dingle on Sunday. Early scores from Billy Courtney and Liam Kelliher settled matters before Dingle responded with two 2-pointers to keep the sides close. The key moment of the first half came in the 21st minute when Liam Randles finished to the net, helping to give us a 1–05 to 0–05 lead at half time. Playing with the wind in the second half, we extended our advantage with points from David Shaw, Alex Hennigan, Michael Burns and Gavin O’Shea. Dingle struck for a late goal to narrow the gap in the closing minutes but a crucial save from goalkeeper Bryan O’Shea ensured that we remained in control. We now face Rathmore away on March 29th.

MEMBERSHIP is now due. Membership can be paid through the club app.

FIXTURES: With a busy few weeks ahead keep an eye on all social media platforms for upcoming fixtures.

CROKES CUBS AND ACADEMY take place every Saturday. Hurling from 10am-11am and football From 11:15am-12:15pm. All new members welcome.

FR. PADDY'S CARDS continues Wednesdays at 8pm in the clubhouse.

KATHLEEN’S GENTLE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors Kathleen’s gentle exercise class will be on Thursday 19th March in lieu of Patrick’s Day. On Tuesday 24th of March there will be a games day in the Presentation gym at 11am followed by the usual cuppa. Class resumes again in the clubhouse on Tuesday March 31st.

GENTLE YOGA for both Men and Women

takes place on Thursdays from 6:15pm7pm. It is €40 for 4 weeks, valid for 5 weeks.

LOTTO took place on March 16th Numbers drawn were 2, 13, 18, 27. Jackpot of €19,700 was NOT WON. 11 patrons matched 3 numbers and receive €40 each. Jackpot for draw on March 23rd will be €20,000. Play online.

BINGO: Dr. Crokes Bingo continues every Sunday in St. Mary's Parish Hall. Doors will open at 7pm with the first game commencing at 8pm.

CONDOLENCES to the O’Donoghue Family on the passing of Fr. Paddy to O'Donoghue, to Catherine and the Keogh family on the passing of Catherine's mother Mary McEllistrim, to the Sheehan Family on the passing of Christy Sheehan and to the Favier Family and all at Glenflesk GAA Club on the passing of Ollie Favier. May they rest in peace.

NOTES: If anyone has anything they want to add to our club notes, please email communications.drcrokes.kerry@gaa.ie.

Fossa GAA

LOTTO: The numbers drawn on 15/03/2026 for a jackpot of €7,050 were 2, 18, 19, 25. There was no jackpot winner. The €40 consolation prize winners were Brenda Murphy, Eileen Mullen, Margaret O’Carroll, Lucie Myers, N & J Ashe. Tickets are available from our sellers and can also be bought online.

COUNTY LEAGUE: Our senior team were away to Annascaul on Sunday in the opening game of the County League. A gale force wind made playing conditions difficult for football and Annascaul, with the aid of the wind in the first half took advantage to lead at the break 0-5 to 0-3, the Fossa scores coming in the closing minutes of the half from Emmett O’Shea. Fossa started the second half well and were on level terms after four minutes, courtesy of scores from Ted O’Gorman and a two pointer from Tadgh O’Shea. Annascaul were handling the wind better and regained a two-point advantage by the 10th minute, two pointers from Emmett and Tadgh O’Shea pushed Fossa back in front but they could never get any further ahead and they only managed one more score in the half through Brian

Myers. Annascaul kept the pressure on, and they kicked the last two scores of the day to leave the teams tied 0-10 each at the final whistle. Team; Lee Lenihan, Dan O’Connell, Sam Buckley, Brian Myers 0-1, Gary O’Connor, Paddy Sheehan, Anthony O’Keeffe, Matt Rennie, Ted O’Gorman 0-1, Harry Buckley, Darren Ryan, Dan O’Keeffe, Jack Clifford, Emmett O’Shea 0-4, Cian O’Shea, Tadgh O’Shea 0-4, Fintan Coffey, Ruari Doyle, Michael O’Dwyer. CONGRATULATIONS to St Brendan’s College and especially our Fossa players involved, Gerry Moroney, Johnny Myers, Shea Driver, Ross Cronin and Charlie O’Meara who won the Taft Cup U15 A Cup school final vs St Flannan's College, Ennis on a final score of 2-16 to 2-7.

Kilcummin GAA

COUNTY LEAGUE DIV 6: A busy weekend saw our two teams start their Co. League campaigns. Our Div. 6 team lost out to Legion by a single point in Direen on Saturday last 0-9 to 0-8. Team: John Devane, T.J. Healy, Kevin McSweeney, Darragh Brosnan, Andy Lowin, Sean O’Leary, Jake Dann, Shane McSweeney, Gavin Morrissey, Colin O’Leary, Aaron Buckley, Cian Lynch, Tomas O’Connor, Paudie Moynihan, Gavin Cronin. Subs used: Ronan McCarthy, Killian Gorman, Bobby Keane, Luke Daly

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Our senior team had a resounding win over Kerins O’Rahilly’s in Rd 1 of the County League on Sunday. Two goals from the spot by Chris O’Leary and five points from Paul O’Shea led the way but this was a great team effort with our defence particularly effective. Keelan O’Shea, Dara O’Callaghan, Colm Kelleher and Mikey Casey will be happy with their contributions in this encouraging start to the campaign. Team: Brendan Kealy, Damien O’Leary, Keelan O’Shea, James Williams, James Nagle, Dara O’Callaghan, Sean O’Leary, Kieran Murphy, Paul O’Shea, Colm Kelleher, Ian Devane, Philip O’Leary, Mikey Casey, Gary O’Leary, Jack Fogarty. Subs used: Chris O’Leary, Cian Lynch, Kevin Gorman, Danny Cronin, Aaron Buckley, Paudie Moynihan. Final score Kilcummin 2-15 KOR 0-12.

LOTTO: There was no winner of our lotto on Monday 09th March for the Jackpot of

€7,000. Numbers drawn were 13, 16, 21, 23. Consolation prizes of €50 went to Joe Scanlon, Ballinmanagh, Sean Reidy, Coolick, JD O’Sullivan, Mike O’Leary, Knocklebede. Our next draw will be on Monday 23rd March for Jackpot of €7,250. Thank you for your continued support.

Glenflesk GAA

OLLIE FAVIER: The Glenflesk GAA community was deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of our dear friend and clubmate Ollie Favier. Ollie was a proud Glenflesk man and someone whose presence, energy, good humour and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Ollie, a successful businessman, was equally recognised as a leader among his peers and within his community. His many friends attest to his loyalty and to his unique ability to enhance the lives of all those fortunate enough to encounter his magnetic personality. For many, he was the sturdy rock in the midst of life’s swirling stream. From a family steeped in the traditions of the GAA, Ollie’s connection to Glenflesk GAA was lifelong. He wore the club colours with distinction throughout the years and was a key member of the club’s most successful team, the side that captured the Millennium Cup in 2000. Ollie’s contribution to Glenflesk GAA continued long after his playing days. In recent years he generously gave his time as an underage coach and mentor and was always willing to lend a hand and fully support any event or fundraiser within the club. He understood the value of community and repaid it through countless quiet acts of kindness and generosity. Those who knew Ollie will remember his larger-than-life personality, his warm smile and his ability to bring people together. He had a natural way with people and was loved by young and old alike. Michael Jordan’s words capture the spirit of Ollie perfectly: Some people want it to happen, Some wish it to happen, Others make it happen. Ollie’s loss is deeply felt not only within Glenflesk GAA but throughout the wider community. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his devoted wife Siobhán, his cherished children Gracie-Mai and Frankie, his mother Marian, his sisters Sinéad and Danielle, his brothers Ciarán and Paul, the extended Favier and Costello families, and his wide circle of friends at this incredibly difficult time. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Listry GAA

LOTTO: Mar 15th 2026. Jackpot €3,600. Numbers Drawn 4, 14, 18, 20. No Winner. €100 Jerry O’Connor Cloyne Co Cork. €50 Breda O’Shea Lissivane. €50 James Mannix Keel. €25 Seamus Giles Faha. €25 Seamus Giles Faha. Jackpot next weekend 22/03/26. €3,750.

SENIORS: Listry seniors play the East Kerry Super League Div. 1B v Kilcummin in Kilcummin on Sunday March 22nd At 12pm. MINORS: Keane's SuperValu Minor Club

Football Championship Final. Killarney Legion v Listry Saturday 21st March 3pm in Fossa.

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club (Ladies)

RESULTS: 18 Hole Single Stableford competition held on Mahony’s Point 14th & 15th March - Kindly sponsored by Synergy Golf. 1st Place Anita O’Sullivan (31) 40pts, 2nd Place & B.G. Anne Moynihan (02) 38pts. 13 Hole Single Stableford competition held on Mahony’s Point Sunday 15th March - Kindly sponsored by Synergy Golf. Winner – Sinead Lynch (15) 22pts (last 9 holes).

Beaufort Golf Club (Men)

RESULTS: Sat 14/Sun 15 March - Spring League Round 3 and overall winner. Sponsor: Men's Club. Yellow Tees – 16-hole Stableford. 1st David J Slattery, 34 points (23) Last nine holes, 2nd John Bowler, 34 points (19) Runner-up, 3rd Dave Lynch, 33 points, (17). Spring League - overall winner of the three rounds with an aggregate score of 105 points, congratulations to Humphrey Kerins (20)

FIXTURES: Next week’s Men’s competition, Sat 21 and Sunday 22 March, Scotch Foursomes (pairs) - yellow tees. Sponsor: Men's Club

Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club

TIM SCANNELL: It was a Mixed day for our three teams as we hosted the Tim Scannell Memorial Inter-Club Matchplay last Sunday. Our Deerpark 3 and Deerpark 1 teams were successful in their games against Listowel B (3.5-2.5) and Castleisland 2 (4-2) respectively, but Deerpark 2 lost out to Tralee 3 by 5-1. We have an all Deerpark encounter this Sunday in Castleisland with our 1 and 2 sides squaring off as our 3 team take on Castleisland 1 in the final round of Group Games.

ST PATRICK’S DAY DRAWS: Two Ball Scramble- First Nett: John Murphy & Niall O’Loughlin 38, Gross: Gearóid Cronin & Gavin Bastable 48, Second Nett: Robbie O’Brien Snr & Niall O’Loughlin 39.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: Following on from our recent announcement as regards membership applications for 2026, the Committee wishes to announce that due to the present high volume of applications received in the Family and U16 categories, it has decided not to accept any further applications for both new Family and U16 Members at this time. New Adult (Non-Family) and all renewing applications from 2025 (Adult and U16) will still be accepted the Committee wishes to stress, however.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES: We were saddened to hear of a number of bereavements in the past week, firstly the death of Fr Paddy O'Donoghue. Fr Paddy regularly said masses in our Club in the past and was also a sponsor of our 15th tee-box. Despite sponsoring it in the late 1990's, Fr Paddy did not actually see it until our 40th Anniversary Celebrations

in 2013 as he played the course the day of the Mass that year. Secondly the club was saddened to hear of the death of Mary McEllistrim, mother of Catherine Keogh, in Ballymacelligott. Finally, the club was saddened to hear of the death of former club sponsor Ollie Favier. To all three’s family and friends we offer our sincerest condolences. May they Rest in Peace.

Killarney Valley AC

INDOORS: Killarney Valley AC athletes delivered a series of impressive performances at the recent U20 and U23 National Indoor Championships, highlighted by a national silver medal and a number of personal bests. The standout result came in the U23 Long Jump, where Dara Looney secured second place with a jump of 6.15m, earning a national silver medal and another podium finish at championship level. In the U20 sprint events, Charlie Clarke recorded a personal best of 7.37 seconds in the 60m, finishing fourth in his heat, before returning to run another PB of 23.63 seconds in the 200m, placing second in his heat. Naoise Cronin ran 8.56 seconds in the 60m and later set a PB of 28.49 seconds in the 200m, finishing third in his heat. Middle-distance athlete Maria Murnane produced a strong performance in the U20 800m final, finishing sixth in a personal best of 2:17.82, while Conor Duffin ran 4:19.46 PB in the U20 1500m, placing sixth in his heat. In the field events, Dominik Wasila finished seventh in the U20 Long Jump with 6.11m, while Antonya Lejwoda placed 11th in the U20 Triple Jump with 9.74m. Anna O’Shea also competed in the Pole Vault. The club’s U20 Women’s 4x400m relay team of Beibhinn O’Donoghue, Sophie Duke, Maddie O’Riordan and Megan O’Reilly produced an excellent performance to finish fourth in the national final.

MASTERS: Meanwhile, KVAC coaches also enjoyed major success at the Athletics Ireland Masters Indoor Championships, winning two national records and seven medals. Alan Delaney (M45) set a new national record of 1.76m in the High Jump, while Alan Burke (M60) set a Pole Vault M60 National record of 3.40m. Jer O’Donoghue (M40) claimed silver in the 60m, while Tim Horgan (M45) secured three silver medals across the High Jump, Shot Put and Weight for Distance. Maureen O’Shea (W55) won bronze in the Weight for Distance and placed fourth in the Shot Put, while Timea Saary (W45) ran a PB of 9.27 seconds in the 60m. Overall, it was another successful period for Killarney Valley AC, with strong performances across both youth and masters competition.

STREETS: Our Streets of Killarney 5-mile race, on the 3rd April (Good Friday), is now completely sold out. Best of luck to all participants.

JOIN: For anyone wishing to join the club you can email us at killarneyvalleyac@ gmail.com.

Killarney Swimming Club

BUSY: It has been a busy few weeks for the club, with swimmers competing in three major galas, the Kingdom Invitational and Future Challenger events in Tralee, as well as the Aspiring Champions Gala held in the University of Limerick. Club swimmers delivered a number of impressive performances across the competitions. Evan O'Donoghue secured two silver medals with strong swims in the 400m Individual Medley and the 200m Breaststroke. Sarah Quirke also reached the podium, claiming bronze in the 200m Breaststroke, while Aoife Coffey earned a bronze medal in the 200m Freestyle. There were excellent performances throughout the squad, with many swimmers producing personal bests and strong swims across the events. A special mention goes to Lara Leahy O’Brien, who achieved qualifying times for the upcoming Summer National Championships. Training continues as swimmers now turn their focus towards the next round of competitions in the coming weeks.

Killarney Rugby

AVIVA MINI RUGBY FESTIVAL: The biggest news of the week is that Killarney RFC has been selected as a host venue for the Aviva Mini Rugby Provincial Festivals this coming Sunday, March 22nd. Following fantastic turnouts at the first two events of the season around the country, the festival comes to Kerry to celebrate the best of youth rugby. This event is a key milestone on the road to the National Aviva Mini Rugby Festival at the Aviva Stadium on April 19th.

WE NEED YOU: To ensure our visitors from across the province experience the very best of Killarney hospitality, we are calling on all members, parents, and senior players to lend a hand on Sunday. We need help with: Parking Coordination (to manage the expected large turnout), Pitch Marshalling, Hospitality & Coffee Docks Supports, General Setup/Cleanup. Even one hour of your time makes a massive difference. Please contact us today if you can help us showcase Aghadoe at its finest!

U18.5 BOYS: Clinical Win in Castleisland

Our U18.5 Boys travelled to the Crageens on Sunday to face Castleisland RFC. In a physical local derby, Killarney showed great composure and clinical finishing to secure a brilliant 24-12 away win. The scoreline reflects a dominant performance in testing conditions, with our lads showing exactly why they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

U14 GIRLS: Last Saturday, our KICK U14 girls hosted Tralee RFC in the third and final round of the U14 Development Cup, with a place in the Cup semifinal up for grabs. A superb game of rugby with tries from Lily Duggan, two from Teagan Lyne and another by Blathnaid Fahy, earning the win for KICK. A huge shout-out to Eloa Hilario, who converted everything and

was superb from the boot. Player of the day was Zarah Tomlinson, who was an absolute warrior on the pitch.

Killarney Salmon & Trout Angling Club

CONDOLENCES: On Behalf of the Club, we would like to pass on our condolences to the O'Callaghan family on the sad passing of Mary. A true lady, beloved wife of Pat and loving mother of Tara, Tracy and John, Mary was a great supporter of the club and was a very proud Grandmother on the shores of Barfinnihy as her grandchildren gathered around her for club juvenile days, picnicking on the shore and cheering on her grandchildren as they fished. Deepest Sympathies to husband Pat and to all her family. May She Rest In Peace

Killarney Bridge Club

RESULTS: March 2nd. First NS Pauline Lyne/Joan Linnehan. Second Therese O’Donoghue/Brenda. First EW Mary G S Sullivan/Evelyn Breen. Second Helen Moynihan/Joan Moore. March 9th. First Maria Maloney/Anne Loone. Second Michael McHugh/Ciaran Broadbery. Second Imelda Healy/Maura Horan. Well done to all.

Euro Bridge Club

RESULTS: March 3rd. First Joan Culloty/ Kathleen Coen. Finola Spillane/Lynda O’Connor. Theresa Sheahan/Doreen Brosnan. March 10th. First NS Lynda O’Connor/Evelyn O’Leary. Second Phyllis O’Reagan/Anne O’Shea. First EW Joan Culloty/Kathleen Coen. Second Betty Garnett/Helen O’Donoghue.

Fossa Bridge Club

RESULTS: 12th March. NS 1st Mary Shanahan & Mary Rose Felle. 2nd Phyllis O’Regan & Pauline Lyne. EW 1st Eileen Murphy & Joan Moore. 2nd Karen O’Keeffe & Imelda Healy. Well done all. CONDOLENCES to Finola Spillane on the death of her brother Fr. Paddy RIP.

DATES FOR THE DIARY: President Margaret O'Sullivan's prize is on the 16th & 23rd April. Killarney Bridge Congress is returning again on the 12th, 13th & 14th June at The Castlerosse Hotel after a very successful event last year.

Kilcummin

KILCUMMIN COMMUNITY CARE: Kilcummin Community Care are holding their A.G.M. on the 24th March at 7.30 in the Rural Development Office. We offer a valuable community service that enables senior citizens to get together once a week (every Tuesday from 11am-2pm in the G.A.A. club) for tea, chat, games and music. We offer transportation, a cooked lunch, activities, music and invited guest speakers. If you or anyone that you know in the community wish to attend, please contact Mary Doyle on 086 1550803 for more information. Our A.G.M. is open to everybody, if you are interested in volun-