Daily Archives: November 19, 2019

Business/Property, Entertainment, News

Tralee Plans To Apply To Host Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann In 2022/2023

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Ken Tobin.

TRALEE has plans to make a bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann in 2022 and 2023.

Managing Consultant with Tralee Chamber Alliance revealed the news at the launch of ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee — Action Plan to 2025’  by Minister of State for Sport and Tourism, Brendan Griffin, at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Monday.

Pat Carmody of Bank Of Ireland in Tralee and Ken Tobin have already met with key people involved with the Fleadh Cheoil to outline their desire to host the event.

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The Chamber has also written to Kerry County Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, offering their resources and requesting their support as the lead agency to assist them in making the application.

“If successful this could generate in excess of €60m for the local economy over the two years, but it would take considerable effort and support from the entire community, both public and private sector,” said Mr Tobin.

“We don’t underestimate the scale of what would be involved in hosting such a significant festival in Tralee, but at the same time, we know that a town that can host the longest running festival in the Rose of Tralee is capable of anything,” he added.

Business/Property, News

Action Plan For Developing Tourism In Tralee Launched

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In front; Kevin McCarthy, Garvey Group; Michele King, The Rose Hotel; Minister Brendan Griffin, Ken Tobin of Tralee Chamber Alliance and Deputy John Brassil. Back from left; Colin Boyle, The Ashe Hotel; Mark Sullivan, The Rose Hotel; Ruth O’Sullivan, The Ashe/Manor West Hotels; John Griffin, Kerry County Council and Sean Linnane, NEWKD, at the launch of the action plan for ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee’ at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Monday. Photo by Dermot Crean

A PLAN which aims to develop tourism in Tralee over the next five years was launched by Minister of State for Sport and Tourism, Brendan Griffin, at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Monday.

The ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee — Action Plan to 2025’ was commissioned to provide a blueprint for the future development of tourism in the greater Tralee area and to influence future tourism plans and strategies.

The aim is to have Tralee recognised nationally and internationally as an exciting, accessible, modern, world class destination set in an area of immense natural beauty, which delivers memorable experiences for visitors.

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It is anticipated that with the implementation of the plan, Tralee will be one of the best family-friendly destinations in the country; will attract events and conferences; it will promote activity tourism in the Tralee Bay area; promote the culture, language, arts and creative sector; establish Tralee as Tourist Destination Town based on criteria set out by Fáilte Ireland.

The report was commissioned by Tralee Chamber Alliance with support of Kerry County Council and NEWKD, while O’Leary and Associates carried out the analysis and developed the plan in consultation with the TCA Tourism Team, local businesses an stakeholders/partners in Tourism Development. The action plan will be available soon to view on www.tralee.ie

Declan Dowling, Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, Mags O’Sullivan,The Aqua Dome, Grace O’Donnell, Go Kerry, Deirdre Twomey, Bank of Ireland and Gerry Enright, Bank of Ireland, at the launch of the action plan for ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee’ at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Monday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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David Scott, Brian Stephenson, John Harty and Andrew Ong at the launch of the action plan for ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee’ at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Monday. Photo by Dermot Crean
John Edwards of Wild Water Adventures and Jean Foley of Kerry County Council at the launch of the action plan for ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee’ at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Monday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Other Sports, Other Sports

Tralee Golf Club News

Captain John’s Christmas Hamper

Results:

1st Diarmuid McElligott (18) 33Pts
2nd James O Loughlin (16) 32 Pts
3rd Jack O Driscoll (14) 32 Pts
4th Maurice McEllistrem (13) 31 Pts
5th Michael J O Neill (23) 30 Pts

No. of Cards 76

Fixtures:
Sunday 24th November – Naughton McGrath Hamper.
Sunday 01st December – Brandy Singles.
Sunday 08th December – Scotch Foursomes.
Sunday 15th December – Fun Golf. Shotgun Start. Hamper Presentations.
Friday 27th December – Sean Walsh Am Am.

Ladies results

Sunday  17th November  Christmas Hamper round 2

1st Valerie Fitzgerald 28pts

2nd Bernie O Loughlin 28 pts

3rd Anna Keane 27pts

Fixtures ; Wednesday  November 20th  9 hole re-entry

Sunday  24th Christmas Hamper round 3

Rugby, Sport

Tralee Rugby Club News

The Under 14s in action.

U14 Boys

Tralee V Bandon

Our u14s welcomed Bandon RFC to Tralee over the weekend. Bandon travelled with over 40 kids which was testament to the work they are doing in West Cork.

Tralee opened their account with a great try by Paddy Lane and converted expertly.  Bandon recovered well and recomposed themselves and gradually skipped up a gear to answer the Tralee boys.  Tralee rose again against a very well structured back line and were very unlucky on two occasions not to score.

Bandon got in again after some great intelligent rugby by the scrum half that had to admired and applauded by all. From here on in Bandon stayed dominant although a ferocious battle was still put up to the visitors.

It was a morning top drawer rugby from both sides and lessons learned for each team.  Tralee knew they were in for a competitive match and they weren’t disappointed. Congratulations to Bandon for the win and we look forward to traveling to you in the New Year.

Sunday 18th November

U16 Boys

Tralee-Listowel V Killorglin

Tralee-Listowel U16s played Killorglin on Sunday in O’Dowd Park, Tralee. Both teams came into the fixture looking for their first competitive win in Conference 2 the Munster U16 Club competition.

The teams were evenly matched, however a break from Oisín Kennelly, who displayed some fancy footwork, produced the first try of the game halfway through the first half. Edward O’Connor converted and the home team held that 7-0 lead at half time.

The second half proved just as enjoyable for the spectators with Mikolaj Buja crashing over after sustained pressure from the pack.

The boys were very focussed in defence as Killorglin battled back and the visitors were rewarded with a consolation try in the last play of the game. Final score 12-5.

We’re playing Corca Dhuibhne away next Saturday at 12pm.

Senior Men’s

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Tralee V Charleville

Our Senior Men’s team were unlucky at home to Charleville on Sunday as they went down 34 – 0. While just 8 – 0 down at half time, three consecutive yellow cards, along with injuries to Conor O’Nuailleann and Ben O’Neill allowed Charleville to put their stamp on the game. Tralee showed strong improvements from last week’s loss to Thurles, but it wasn’t enough as Charleville ultimately ran out as comfortable winners

GAA CLUBS

Austin Stacks GAA Club News

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Nemo Rangers 2-17; Austin Stacks 0-5.
We just did not perform in Páirc Uí Rinn on last Sunday afternoon (17th Nov) in the Munster semi final.

One can only speculate what might have happened if the two goal chances we had inside the opening two minutes were converted.

Almost five minutes had elapsed before Nemo opened the scoring and after 15 minutes they were ahead by five points to no score.

Our first score came in the 16th minute from Shane O’Callaghan. Nemo then went on to put over another five before we got our second in the 31st minute – a Sean Quilter pointed free after a foul on Joseph O’Connor.

Before that (in the 22nd minute) we were unfortunate to lose the services of Barry Shanahan who had to retire with a leg injury – being already without the services of Conor Jordan and Greg Horan (out with long-term injuries). And then deep in added time it got worse for us when Nemo got through for a goal to leave them with a ten points lead at half time (1-9 to 0-2).

Then half way through the second half the game was well and truly over when Nemo had tagged on a further 1-4 to just one point for us (a Wayne Guthrie one from play). In the final quarter we added two more points – both from play by David Fitzmaurice and Fiachna Mangan – while Nemo added four more to leave them with an eighteen points winning margin at the end.

Team: Darragh O’Brien, Colin Griffin, Barry Shanahan, Dylan Casey, Jack O’Shea, Ronan Shanahan (Capt), Jack Morgan, Joseph O’Connor, Michael O’Donnell, Ciarán O’Reilly, Shane O’Callaghan (0-1), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), Seán Quilter (0-1 free), Kieran Donaghy, Wayne Guthrie (0-1).

Subs used: Michael O’Gara 22m), Pa McCarthy (37m), Darragh O’Brien (37m), David Fitzmaurice (46m) (0-1), Shane Walsh (47m), Gearóid Fitzgerald (51m).

Footnote: Our boys will naturally be down after tSunday’s performance – with that low-scoring five points.

But it’s worth remembering that in our very first Munster Championship game away back in December 1973 we only scored five points in that game also (UCC defeating us with a score of 0-14). And just over three years later a lot of that team went on to win an All Ireland title.

It’s now back to Co. League duty as we await to play the winners of the Dr. Crokes and Dingle game (which due to go ahead on next Sunday – 24th Nov). Rathmore await the winners in the Co. League Final.

TRALEE TOWN BOARD AGM: Four positions on the Executive of The Town Board need to be filled – Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Juvenile Chairperson & Child Welfare Officer.   Any club member interested in applying for any of these positions please contact Elma for nomination forms.

NOVEMBER MASS: for deceased members and friends of the Club will be celebrated at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church on this Saturday evening at 6.30pm

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: Our Annual Church Gate Collection will also take place on this weekend  – at all Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses (23rd/24th Nov).

WELL DONE to our own Brian McKivergan who has just retired from the County Fire Service after 18 years of outstanding service.

CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties and Functions. Enquiries about Club Bookings should be made by contacting Harry Hynes at 087 2467286.
Bar opening hours are as follows: 7pm to 12.30am on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, and 12 noon to 11pm on Sundays.

CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.

LOTTO: Last Night’s (18th November) Jackpot, worth €12,550, was not won. The numbers drawn were 5, 21, 22, 31.
The €20 winners were: Martin Courtney and Eddie Bailey, both c/o The Club; Barry O’Shea, c/o Carmel O’Neill; Brian Collins, c/o Martin Collins; and Tim O’Rourke, c/o Club Rockies.
Lotto Tickets are on regular sale at the Rock Street Post Office and at the Stacks Clubhouse, as well as from our other regular outlets.

SYMPATHY:  Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Cathy Stack (nee Fitzpatrick), Shanakill, Monavally and formerly Lacca, Ballyduff; and John Hadnett, Kerins Park.

News

Canal Walkway Lights To Be Fixed By The End Of The Month

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A stretch of the canal walkway is in darkness with 11 lights not working.

A STRETCH of lights on the canal walkway, which have been out for the past couple of months, are due to be fixed at the end of the month.

The walkway is hugely popular with joggers, families, walkers and cyclists, especially since the Canal Walkway Lighting Scheme was put in place in late 2016.

However, there’s a 200 yard stretch of walkway in darkness from the corner opposite Hare Street, down in the direction of the Marina and this is putting many people off going for a walk in the evenings because of safety reasons.

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We asked the Council when would the lights be repaired. According to a Kerry County Council spokesperson, the walkway consists of 36 lights operated by motion sensors to reduce energy consumption.

Currently there are 11 lights not operational due to a fault in the switching system in the way it communicates with the lights.

The manufacturer  of the system has been notified and a new control box will be installed. KCC expect to have the lights up and running by the end of November.

News

St John’s Parish Bazaar Returns For 68th Year

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Now in its 68th year, St. John’s Parish annual Bazaar takes place on Friday 29th November to Sunday 2nd December in the KDYS Denny Street. Pictured are the Bazaar committee with, sitting from left; Fr. Tadhg Fitzgerald PP and Fr. Sean Jones, at back from left Brendan O’Brien, Margaret Crean, Helen O’Sullivan, Breda Browne, Phil Mannion, Vincent O’Sullivan and Celine O’Callaghan. Photo: John Cleary.

IT’S been part of the pre-Christmas schedule for years now and it’s set to return for the 68th year at the end of the month.

The St. John’s Parish Annual Bazaar takes place from, Friday, November 29 to Sunday December 2 in the KDYS Denny Street.

There’ll be the usual array of hampers, vouchers, art work, crafts and loads more amazing prizes to be won and auctioned off during the weekend which raises tens of thousands of euro.

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As the largest annual fundraising event for St John’s Parish, the proceeds go towards the annual upkeep of three churches within St John’s Parish (Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rathass, St Brendan’s, Curraheen and St John’s Church in Castle Street).

St. John’s Parish Bazaar began in 1951 and has always been generously supported by businesses and parishioners.  The bargains, the banter and social atmosphere have always attracted large crowds and the organisers have issued an invitation to all to  join them for a great time. Doors open on Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 7.00pm and Sunday at 2.30pm all are welcome.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Top Talent For Concert In Aid Of Tralee Branch Of Irish Red Cross

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Seamus Ó Flathartha, Danny O’Mahony, Matt Keane and the Killorglin Men’s Social Club Choir will perform at the concert.

A HOST of talent from Kerry and further afield will perform at the Irish Red Cross Christmas concert in St John’s Church in Ashe Street, this Friday.

The concert is part of the Tralee branch’s 80th anniversary celebration and is the first of a number of fundraisers for the branch.

The branch in Tralee is currently providing personal to over 150 events per year in Kerry and the Munster region.

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It’s been another bumper year for the branch as they upgraded its fleet to now having two Mercedes Sprinter ambulance and a land cruiser which is so vital for the numerous weather alerts that see the branch been put on active standby in these situations.

The Killorglin Men’s social club choir, Lloyd Fitzgibbon and Aireanach will kick of the show at 7.30pm.

There will be tea and coffee and light refreshments served in Teach on Solais at the interval, then at 9pm Danny O’Mahony and Seamus Ó Flatharta, world dancing champion who is also an extremely talented harpist, flute player and  singer will take to stage and will also be joined by Galway singer Matt Keane.  To conclude the concert, there will be a grand finale featuring all artists.

This weekend kicks off a bumper few weeks for the Red Cross in Tralee who are also nominated for the Volunteer Ireland, group of the year award and this ceremony will take place on Friday December 6th in Dublin.

Collectively as a group they have volunteered over 4,300 hours in 2019. They will also be having a monster Christmas raffle on December 22 for a hamper worth €1,000.

Indeed this day will be extremely busy for all members as they will be visiting the children’s ward in University Hospital Kerry and the community nursing home unit in the morning, the afternoon will see them host the annual Christmas tea party in the Grand Hotel from 2pm to 6pm with the monster hamper draw due to take place at 7pm.

For bookings for all their events please contact Lynda on 087 708 8395 or Majella on 087 927 6504. Tickets for the concert this Friday are €10. Limited number on the door so please book yours now. Door open at 7pm.

News, Sport, WHAT'S ON

Tralee Triathlon Club To Host Information Night This Wednesday

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Find out more about triathlons at the information night.

TRALEE Triathlon Club’s ‘New to Tri’ Night takes place on Wednesday night, November 20, at The Meadowlands Hotel.

The information evening will hear from club members who have completed a triathlon and will also provide information on club training and equipment needed for triathlon.

Local businesses including Surf N Sail, O’Sullivan Cycles, Waterworld and Adrenalin Sports will be on hand to provide information on gear and club gear samples will also be on display from Verge.

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Tralee Triathlon club is one of Munster’s biggest triathlon clubs with over 200 members and more members are always welcome to join the club. A junior triathlon club is available and is also continuing to grow in size.

The club’s aim is to provide training in a fun environment and for all abilities. It doesn’t matter whether you are already involved in sport or whether you want to sign up to something completely new the club is for everyone.
Training for all three triathlon disciplines are available with the club so there is no excuse for anyone who wants to try a triathlon not to be to ready for next season.

Club chairman, Francis Foley, is urging everyone to come along and hear about the club.

“This is the perfect opportunity to join a fantastic club and to try the sport of triathlon or to just get fit and healthy and make new friends. We cater for everyone,” he said. The information evening takes place at 8pm on Wednesday, November 20 at The Meadowlands.

Business/Property, Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Manor West Shopping Centre To Host Three Christmas Food And Craft Fairs

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Clair Kelly of The Busy Botanist with Derek Rusk, Manager of Manor West Shopping Centre and Retail Park looking forward to the Christmas Food and Craft Fairs starting at the end of the month. Photo: Domnick Walsh

THAT time of year is almost here again as Manor West Shopping Centre and Retail Park prepares for the first of their three popular Christmas Food & Craft Fairs on Saturday November 30 from 11am – 5pm.

A host of local artisan food producers and craftspeople will exhibit at the fair, with a diverse selection of wholesome produce and handmade goods on offer.

Spreading the festive cheer, Manor West Shopping Centre and Retail park is encouraging the people of Kerry to support local producers and crafts people this Christmas.

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Children will also get the chance to meet Santa and his friends, as well as lots of fun including balloon modelling and face painting. Radio Kerry and Francis Jones will broadcast live from 11am – 1.00pm and there will be the chance to win some fantastic spot prizes on the day.

Looking forward to the wonderful activities at the Food & Craft Fair on November 30th, Derek Rusk, Shopping Centre Manager, commented, “Preparations are well underway here at Manor West in the build up to our three Food & Craft Fairs. With so many wonderful food producers and craftspeople in Kerry, many of whom will be joining us here in Manor West, the fairs promise to showcase the fantastic array of Kerry’s finest foods and crafts.

“We hope that all the family can join us at our three fairs over the festive season to enjoy the local products on offer. Our November fair is a great way to ring in the Christmas Season and to pick up some special gifts for your loved ones.”

Speaking ahead of the Christmas Fairs, Clair Kelly from The Busy Botanist, who will be exhibiting at the fairs stated; “We here at The Busy Botanist are thrilled to be taking part in the Manor West Christmas Food & Craft Fairs. This is such an excellent opportunity for local producers and traders to showcase their produce and creations and a great chance for locals to find some truly unique Christmas gifts. Derek and the team at Manor West really back local producers and we are so thankful for their support in allowing us to exhibit free of charge. I’m looking forward to a lovely day at Manor West as we welcome in the Christmas season.”

The additional Food and Craft Fairs will take place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of December at Manor West Shopping Centre and Retail Park where you can find all your Christmas needs under one roof.

Children will be able to visit Santa and his friends for free every Saturday and Sunday from 12-6pm, right up to Sunday, December 22nd.

Parking is free of charge at Manor West, with over 1,000 manned car parking areas over the festive period as well as extra parking opened daily behind Debenhams and beside Woodie’s during peak traffic times.

For more information on Manor West Shopping Centre and Retail Park and upcoming events please visit www.manorwest.ie or find them on Facebook and Twitter.