Another Weather Warning Issued For Kerry

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WE had a rainfall one yesterday and now it’s time for the wind.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Wind warning for Kerry, Galway and Mayo to take effect from tonight.

Southerly winds, veering southwesterly, will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of up to 100km/h, higher in coastal areas and on high ground.

Localised wave overtopping is possible. The warning is valid from 8pm tonight until 8am on Saturday morning.

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REVIEW 2021: The News In August

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in August…

• Kerry Airport released the Annual Report & Accounts for the 12-month period ended 31st December 2020, reporting an Operating Loss after taxation for the period of €144,996 as compared to an after taxation Operating Profit of €1,020,341 in the previous year.

The Gross Revenue in 2020 reflected the severe decline in passenger numbers from a high of 369,836 in 2019 down to 82,959 in 2020. This equated to a 78% fall and is reflected in the subsequent 60% reduction in Total Revenue.

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• A ten day family-friendly festival was held over the course of ten days in August.

The festival included an Irish Dancing ‘Féis’, a traditional ‘Féile’ with Street Theatre Shows, flower displays, puppet shows, circus workshops, family gardening, drum pods, dog shows and more. There was also a ‘Tralee Music Revival’ showcase of live music from Tralee Bands.

• A home care company announced it was creating 20 new jobs in Kerry. Home Instead, was recruiting for 20 additional caregivers in Kerry, as part of its recruitment of 1,000 additional caregivers, who will be hired across the country.

Kathy Hochul

• A woman whose grandparents hailed from Kerry was set to become the next Governor of New York in August.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochultook over from Andrew Cuomo. Her grandparents met in Chicago, and relocated to Buffalo, New York where they helped start the first Buffalo Irish Center.

The Buffalo native (whose maiden name is Courtney) was elected lieutenant governor of the state in 2014 as Cuomo’s running mate and won re-election alongside him in 2018.

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• It was announced a company was to create 80 jobs at a new store in Manor West.

The Range, a home, garden and leisure retailer, began a recruitment for the full and part-time positions.

The new outlet would be located in the former Debenhams unit at Manor West Shopping Centre.

• It was an emotional evening for Jimmy and Eileen Moran on August 21 as they closed the door on their Strand Street shop for the last time.

There was a wonderful turnout to see Jimmy and Eileen off after 34 years on Strand Street.

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• It was revealed Manor West Retail Park was on the market with a guide price of over €55,175,000.

According to a story in The Irish Times, US investor Marathon Asset Management had instructed agent Cushman & Wakefield to bring the site to market.

The guide price represented a 6% discount on the €59 million the current owners paid for the park back in 2015.

• Tyrone beat Kerry to reach the 2021 All-Ireland final after an extra-time victory in Croke Park.

After a drama-filled month when the game was postponed due to COVID in the Red Hand county’s camp, Tyrone beat the Kingdom by 0-22 to 3-14.

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JRI America Helps Out Local Branch Of St Vincent De Paul

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Some of the toys donated by JRI America staff in Tralee.

JRI America once again displayed their support for the local community before Christmas by donating thousands of euro worth of gifts and vouchers to the local branch of St Vincent De Paul.

The Charity Committee at the company based at Kerry Technology Park have been organising donations to the worthy cause for the past six years.

Shane Walsh, Ireland Division Head, (Information Systems) of JRI America Inc., said all the staff in Tralee were delighted to contribute to such a worthy cause.

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REVIEW 2021: The News From July

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in July…

• It was a good start to the month for Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn which was among the top schools recognised in the national Junior Entrepreneur Awards.

‘An Nead’ was the creation of the 5th Class pupils supported by their teacher Dónal O’Sulleabháin earned them the JEP Community Champions Award 2021. The brightly-coloured bird boxes were handmade and painted by the pupils.

• Cashless parking meters were introduced at two car parks in Tralee Town Centre, one located in the Parklands car park and the other in the Brandon car park, on a trial basis. Cash-friendly meters are still operational at both car parks.

The new parking machines facilitate the public to pay for their parking using a debit or credit card. If this trial period proves successful, the Council will proceed to tender for the replacement of all parking meters in Tralee town centre.

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• There was disappointment at the news that the Tralee-Fenit Greenway would not be opened to the public this year.

Council management said it had hoped to open the section of Greenway between Fenit and Spa for the summer of 2021. However, the site was closed from the start January to the middle of April due to the COVID-19 lockdown. It was now proposed to open the project in its entirety at the end of Q1 2022.

• The Mayor of Tralee wanted to find out the legality of drones flying over private houses.

At the July meeting of Tralee MD of Kerry County Council, Mayor Wall told of a recent occasion when he was in a friend’s garden when a drone came overhead.

“It seemed to stay there for hours but in reality it was only a few minutes. If I had a shotgun I’d have blown it out of the sky. I don’t like being spied on and I definitely don’t agree with them being allowed hover over private houses so I’d like to find out what the rules are.”

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• It was revealed that air services on the Kerry to Dublin route would resume in late July.

The collapse of Stobart Air on June 12 had resulted in an immediate cessation of Government funded Public Service Obligations (PSO) on vital regional air routes between Dublin and the airports of Donegal and Kerry.

The Government announced the Kerry route would be operated by Ryanair on a commercial basis.

• There were a lot of double-takes from locals on Castle Street when The Greyhound Bar appeared to have taken over Hennessy’s during the middle of July.

It was just part of the ongoing filming of the movie ‘Joyride’ starring Olivia Colman which was taking place around the county during the month,

The interior of Hennessy’s Bar was the location for filming but it also demanded a change of signage outside for one night only.

• Part of July saw Met Éireann issue Status Yellow – High Temperature warnings for Ireland as we basked in the sun.

High temperatures stayed for a number of days with hot conditions by day and staying very warm and humid at night.

Daytime maximum temperatures reached the high 20s as people flocked to beaches around the county.

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• The Directors of the Aqua Dome Tralee announced that due to the continuing Government ban on indoor activities, the facility would not reopen in 2021 and a new target date of Easter 2022 had been set.

• Water tankers had to be deployed at various locations around the Tralee area and beyond after a major burst on a trunk main on the Central Regional Water Supply Scheme on July 26.

The disruption led to thousands of homes and businesses being without water for a couple of days.

• The Kerry senior footballers won the Munster SFC title after a facile victory over Cork in Killarney. The scoreline was Kerry 4-22 Cork 1-9 on a scorching hot day at Fitzgerald Stadium.

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Finnegan On Films: Movies To Watch On TV Over New Year’s Weekend

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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some movies on the box to end 2021 and usher in the new year…

In what has been another strange year in film, there are a number of classic films and performances to see out 2021 and get into 2022

One of the most charming westerns ever, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (3.45pm New Years Eve RTE One) does not allow historical facts, where known, get in the way of an entertaining story.

The relationship between the stars, Paul Newman (Butch) and Robert Redford (Sundance) transfers into their on screen performance.  Add to this mix the delightful Katherine Ross, and you have a classic.

My all time favourite comedy duo is Laurel and Hardy.  I grew up with their classic black and white films especially “The Music Box” and the piano delivery scene.

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In Stan and Ollie (10pm New Years Eve RTE2), we focus on the events of 1953, where in an attempt to revive their friendship, career and finances, they, brilliantly played by Steve Coogan and John C Reilly embark on a gruelling music hall tour of Britain and Ireland.  Their welcome in Cobh is particularly poignant.

There is nothing better to see in the New Year than a classic film noir of the calibre of L.A. Confidential (New Years Eve 11.50pm RTE2). 

Three cops with their own motives, secrets and agendas find themselves interlinked with a murder case that involves police corruption and Hollywood celebrities.

Based on the James Ellroy book, and with an all star cast including Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito and Kim Bassinger, this is Oscar winning entertainment.

Set during World War Two, Bedknobs and Broomsticks (New Years Day 1.15pm RTE2) sees Charlie, Carrie and Paul are sent to stay with Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury) as part of the evacuation of children out of London during the Blitz.

What they don’t know is that Eglantine is a novice witch who takes them on a series of magical adventures in a brilliant combination of animation and live action. An underrated musical that has now been adapted for the stage.

In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (New Years Day 6.35pm RTE1), four teenagers find an old computer console set up to play a jungle based video game.

They find themselves drawn into the game by being transformed into the story characters. They must complete the game successfully to get back to the real world, or find themselves trapped in the game forever.

Staring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack Black, this is a very entertaining adventure romp.

While on the trail of the whimsical, and a sequel which, in my opinion is even more fun than the original, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (New Years Day 9.15 RTE1) Sophie finds out more about her mother Donna’s life, and her three possible fathers, when she reopens the Hotel Bella Donna on the island of Kalokairi.

Starring the original film cast of Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters and augmented by Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher, plus, of course, the music of Abba, this could be described as the ultimate feel good film of the weekend.

On the other side of dramatic structure comes Veronica Guerin (New Years Day 9.30pm TG4), a fact based drama based on the life, and death, of Sunday Independent Crime Reporter Veronica Guerin.

Her brave expose of Ireland’s crime laws cost her her life, but set a radical political and legal reaction demanded by the country to deal with the gangsters and drug lords.

Set around a magnificent performance in the title role by Cate Blanchett, enhanced by the best of Irish talent on both sides of the camera and directed by Joel Schumacher, this pulls no punches in telling this different side of Irish life.

It only leaves me to wish you and your families a very happy and healthy 2022.  Enjoy and stay safe.

REVIEW 2021: The News From June

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in June…

• Tralee pubs and restaurants were allowed open up again in early June for the first time since December.

The weather was kind as only outdoor dining/drinking was permitted but many businesses who could accommodate customers were very busy and blessed with fine weather during the month.

• Siamsa Tíre held its AGM in early June where Joe Leonard stepped down as chairman and was replaced by Seán Murphy of Murphy’s Ice Cream.

Joe, who is Group HR Director with PM Group, an engineering and construction management company in Cork, was first appointed as chairman in 2011.

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• TRALEE Chamber of Commerce was named the winner of the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award at the Chamber Awards 2021.

The awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland and sponsored by Zurich, recognise the outstanding work of chambers of commerce throughout the country in supporting local, regional and national business.

The Tralee entry was also awarded second prize in their category in the inaugural .IE Digital Town Awards 2021 held in early June.

The Tralee Chamber entry — the Digital Tralee app and website project — was shortlisted alongside Drogheda and two Sligo projects in the Large Town (10,000+) category.

• The Strand Road community was out in force on Thursday, June 17 to welcome Jimmy Moran back to his shop.

Jimmy suffered a brain haemorrhage after a procedure earlier in the year and there was huge support and well wishes for him while he was recovering.

He was welcomed home after being discharged from hospital and people lined the streets to greet him.

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• The hot weather in June created problems at Kerry beaches again with Gardaí, Kerry County Council and the HSE appealing for motorists to park legally and responsibly when visiting public beaches and amenity areas.

There were parking issues at beaches and amenity areas throughout Kerry, including at Banna where a dangerous situation was created when emergency vehicles could not access areas.

• Irish Water announced that funding was available for a new waste water treatment plant in Fenit.

The project will now continue through the next stages including design, detailed planning, procurement and approvals.

Cllr Deirdre Ferris said the upgrade has been a long time coming and Fenit has been hindered in its development both residentially and commercially for years.

• Musicians from the Tralee area and beyond gathered in the Square in late June in a show of solidarity after the difficulties they have faced since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

They were joined by local publicans and business owners who supported them in their call for clarity and guidance in terms of when they can get back to work in hotels, bars and venues, as society prepared to open further in July.

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• Tralee saw a new Mayor elected in June.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Johnnie Wall was first elected to Tralee Town Council in 1985 and this is his sixth term as Cathaoirleach/Mayor of the town. Cllr Mikey Sheehy is Deputy Mayor.

Mayor Wall said a priority during his year in the position is to establish a Jobs Taskforce for the town to attract employment.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Moloney from Listowel was elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council at a historic meeting of the local authority which was held at Austin Stack Park in Tralee.

• The Aqua Dome announced it was unlikely to open as scheduled in July due to COVID restrictions remaining in place by the Government .

A statement on June 30 read; “It now looks as though this [reopening] will not be possible with the Government postponing the opening of facilities such as the Aqua Dome.

“Indoor Exercise and activity are no longer allowed to reopen following the Government’s statement yesterday. We are seeking clarification on this, but it does not look hopeful for an opening of the Aqua Dome anytime soon. It looks like our pool will remain empty for the time being.”

• The appointment of Mr Jimmy Deenihan as Chairperson of MTU’s Governing Body was announced.

Former Minister and TD Mr Deenihan took up the role on foot of a public process carried out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

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Neven Maguire’s Seafood Trails To Showcase Tralee Bay Next Week

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Neven Maguire.

RESTAURANTS in the Tralee area will be showcased on an RTE show next week.

Celebrity chef Neven Maguire was in Kerry back in early October filming episodes for his show, ‘Neven’s Irish Seafood Trails’.

While in the Kingdom he visited Ballyseede Castle Hotel, the Oyster Tavern and Spa Seafoods, and they will be featured in the episode on Wednesday, January 5 at 8.30pm on RTE 1.

It will also show Neven in Tralee Bay on an oyster fishing experience and a trip around Fenit Lighthouse which is sure to provide a boost to the Tralee area in general.

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REVIEW 2021: The News From May

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in May…

• Concerns were expressed about crime and policing in Tralee Town Park at an online meeting of the Kerry Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Chairman of the Kerry Green Party Anluan Dunne said he would like to see more foot and bike patrols in the Town Park and Sinn Fein Kerry TD, Pa Daly said there was a lack of garda visibility in Tralee town centre and in the Town Park where groups of young people congregate.

• Castleisland Community College scooped the overall award for the Construction Industry Federation’s ‘Design a Home for Everyone’ competition.

The community college was selected over the other finalists at the first CIF’s Design a Home for Everyone Awards ceremony for its “No Man is an Island” entry.

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• A local writer released his latest book which explores events in Kerry during the War of Independence.

Listowel native Martin Moore, who is now based in Tralee, published ‘When Freedom’s Sword Was Drawn’ to examine six linked events in north Kerry, all of which occurred within a 10km radius in a ten week period during the War of Independence.

The work gives an insight into what was a microcosm of the conflict in the north Kerry district at the time.

• A Tralee school was honoured at the Young Social Innovators of the Year Ireland (YSI) Awards for its positive impact in helping to create a more equal, fair, and sustainable world.

Picking up the Gold Award, the team from Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk, Tralee were crowned overall winners of Young Social Innovators of the Year 2021 for their ground-breaking Red Flags ‘Break the Silence’ project, which aims to tackle the issue of toxic relationships whilst encouraging young people to openly discuss relationships in a safe environment.

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• Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD, turned the sod for the construction of a new school building for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on April 14.

The new 75,000 sq. ft. building with a capacity to cater for 600 students will enable the Gaelcholáiste to accommodate its expanding student population which has necessitated a second campus since 2016.

Funding of approximately €16m has been allocated for this project under Project Ireland 2040.

• Admission charges to all fee-paying open OPW heritage sites, including Ardfert Cathedral, Ross Castle and Derrynane House in Kerry, were waived for the rest of 2021.

It was to support the domestic tourism industry and local businesses relying on it by incentivising people in Ireland to discover OPW heritage sites, parks and museums spread across the country as people planned their staycations for the summer.

• A new book on the Ballymacandy Ambush of June 1921, where a senior figure in the IRA in Tralee was the only casualty on the IRA side, was published by a local author and historian.

Owen O’Shea’s book tells the story of the ambush which happened in mid-Kerry just weeks before the War of Independence ended.

Jerry Myles from Moyderwell, who was later chairman of the John Mitchels GAA Club, was badly wounded in the ambush at Ballymacandy between Milltown and Castlemaine on 1st June 1921.

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• Gardaí seized €2,600 of suspected cannabis jellies and cannabis herb in Tralee on Thursday, April 20.

Arising from investigations in the use of controlled drugs in the Kerry division, Gardaí from the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit executed a search warrant at a house in  the Manor area.

During the course of the search Gardaí seized €1,400 of suspected cannabis herb and €1,200 of cannabis jellies.

• Kerry was awarded 14 Blue Flags in May including 12 at beaches around the county, one at Fenit Marina and one at the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons in south Kerry.

The decision of the International Blue Flag jury saw the following beaches awarded Blue Flags for 2021: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherabeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ventry and Inch.

• Three students from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí in Tralee were winners in the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) hosted by ECO-UNESCO.

The Transition Year students Zoë Ní Chearúill, Máiréad De Staic and Sorcha Ní Dhonnchú won in the final of the Senior Climate Change Category.

• May 31 brought the sad news that the Rose of Tralee International Festival would not take place again in 2021.

This was confirmed in an official statement from the organisers who cited the continuing pandemic as the reason for the cancellation. The Festival will return in August 2022.

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€500,000 Winning Euromillions Ticket Was Bought In Tralee

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Husseys in Tralee sold the winning ticket.

THE player who scooped the top prize of €500,000 in Tuesday night’s EuroMillions Plus draw bought their ticket in Tralee.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Monday 27th December at Hussey’s Shop on Princes Street .

The winning numbers for last night’s (28th December) EuroMillions Plus draw were: 11, 19, 26, 31, 49.

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Shop owner Gerard Hussey was thrilled to hear that one of his customers won the top prize amount: “Our family-run shop serves quite a local community so we are certain that there will be great excitement around the town as soon as word spreads.

“My wife Triona runs the shop and we would know a lot of our regulars so I’m sure they will all be eager to check their tickets as soon as they realise that we sold one worth €500,000.

“This is also the biggest prize that we have ever sold so we are delighted. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that the winner checks their ticket and realises that they have the winning one soon!”

The Kerry winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place.

The winner should contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.

Status Yellow Rainfall Warning Issued For Kerry

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A STATUS Yellow rainfall warning for Kerry and Cork has been issued by Met Éireann for Thursday.

Persistent and, at times, heavy rain will lead to localised flooding in areas. Highest accumulations are expected in the mountains.

The warning is valid from 11am on Thursday to 5am on Friday. According to rainfall radar on the Met Éireann website, the heaviest of the rain in the Tralee area will be from around noon to midnight tomorrow.

REVIEW 2021: The News From April

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in April…

• Kerry County Council announced a plan in April carry out a number of works on roads and pavements in the town centre.

The proposals will provide pedestrian friendly linkages between the Island of Geese site and the Tralee Town Centre.  It also included plans for Lower Rock Street, Godfrey Place, Staughton’s Row, Bridge Place and Castle Street.

• The TLI Group invested in a new fleet of vehicles from a local dealership as they prepared to create another 80 jobs over the next six months.

TLI Group is headquartered just outside Abbeydorney and employs over 700 staff across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.

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• The vaccination centre set up at Kerry Sports Academy in Tralee closed for a week due to a shortage of vaccines in April.

Established as a joint project between the South/South West Hospital Group and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, the centre had been operating to vaccinate frontline health workers.

• The London Spirits Competition announced Dingle Distillery Fourth Single Pot Still as the winner of Whiskey of the Year 2021.  The Fourth Single Pot Still also took the Best in Show award.

• It was revealed in April that the number of passengers travelling through Kerry Airport in 2020 was down 77% on the previous year according to data from the Central Statistics Office.

The impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions saw just 82,959 passengers using the airport as opposed to 369,836 in 2019.

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Tom Crean featured on an new stamp from An Post.

• Kerry explorer Tom Crean was celebrated in a set of stamps launched by An Post. Four stamps were issued by An Post which celebrate eight Irish men who took part in Antarctic expeditions in the 1800s and early 1900s.

• Funding was allocated to create three centres for outdoor water-based activities in Kerry.

Centres at Ballybunion Beach, Fenit Beach and Magherabeg Beach will be enhanced with hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points.

They will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainable materials such as solar heating panels.

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• There was good news on the jobs front as James Whelan Butchers announced that it would be opening a new shop in Tralee, creating up to 20 new jobs.

The family-run butchers’ newest shop was part of the redevelopment of Dunnes Stores, North Circular Road in Tralee which would include a state of the art Food Hall.

• A Kerry Sinn Féin Councillor offered €1000 as a reward for information leading to the prosecution of those that set fire to Killarney National Park back in April.

Earlier this year, Tralee Municipal District Cllr Cathal Foley requested Kerry County Council offer rewards for information on wild fires taking place throughout Kerry.

“Kerry County Council informed me that they could not do so. I have now taken it upon myself to offer €1000 as reward for any information that leads to a successful prosecution against those that lit this most recent illegal fire in Killarney National Park,” he said.

• A local fashion designer worked with international pop stars on their new music video which went online in April.

Colin Horgan from Ardfert had already seen his designs worn by celebrities such as Chaelin CL, Brooke Candy, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Tierra Whack, Ashnikko, Ava Max and more, but in late March, he received a special request to work with Little Mix ahead of their first music video as a trio.

The music video – ‘Confetti’ which features U.S. Rap Star ‘Saweetie’ which the music video dropped on April 30.

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Sponsored: St John Of God Kerry Services Hiring In A Number Of Positions

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ST John of God Kerry Services are currently recruiting for new positions to meet the increasing needs of people across the county.

They provide a range of programmes and services for adults and children with an intellectual disability throughout the Kerry region.

A person-centred approach to service delivery is promoted in accordance with the Organisations values and ethos and in keeping with its commitment to the continuing development of community based services.

If you are looking for a new exciting challenge and share best practice, the following roles might be of interest.

Applications are invited for the following posts within our Services supporting adults and children with an intellectual disability.

Social Care Workers

(Full Time/Part Time, Permanent & Specified Purpose Contracts)

The successful candidate requires:

• Diploma in Social Care/Diploma in Applied Social Studies/Social Care

• 1- 2 years’ experience working with individuals with an Intellectual Disability (Desirable)

• Flexible and excellent communication skills

• Initiative, motivation and enthusiasm

• Commitment to the development and delivery of a person centred programme.

• Experience of supporting people presenting with challenging behaviour.

• Must have a full clean driver’s licence for a manual vehicle, D licence would be an advantage.

Staff Nurses

(Full Time/Part Time, Permanent & Specified Purpose Contracts)

The successful candidate requires:

• RGN/RNMH/RNID qualifications or other suitable nursing qualifications and to be a Staff Nurse on the current register as maintained by An Bord Altranais.

• 1 – 2 years relevant experience of supporting people with an intellectual disability is an advantage.

• Relevant experience of working with people who have behaviours that challenge is an advantage.

• Demonstrate excellent communication (both verbal and written), organisational skills, flexibility and commitment.

• Must have a full clean driver’s licence for a manual vehicle, D licence would be an advantage.

Care Assistants

(Full Time/ Part Time, Permanent & Specified purpose Contracts)

The successful candidate requires:

• Certificate in Healthcare Support at FETAC Level 5.

• He/She supports and assists in all activities of daily living in line with the needs and wishes of the individual as outlined in an agreed care plan.

• Acting as an advocate for residents and promoting social interaction with the community.

• Demonstrate excellent communication (both verbal and written), organisational skills, flexibility and commitment.

• Must have a full clean driver’s licence for a manual vehicle, D licence would be an advantage.

Informal enquiries to Rose Kelleher, 064-6644133

Please note that salaries are paid in line with HSE Consolidated Salary Scales.

If you believe you have the necessary enthusiasm, competencies and experience for any of the above roles, please forward a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae (explaining any gaps) to the Human Resources department by email to sjogkerry.recruitment@sjog.ie along with a completed employment application form and a Garda vetting form which can be found on the jobs page of our website https://www.sjogkerryservices.ie/jobs/.

Please state the role that you are applying for in the subject line.

Closing Date: 9th January 2022

Applicants may be shortlisted based on the information supplied in the Curriculum Vitae.

A panel may be formed from this campaign from which further vacancies which may arise during the lifetime of the panel will be filled.

Saint John of God Community Services CLG is an equal opportunities employer.

Clean Coasts Hope Kerry People Pledge To Take Part In ‘2Minute Beach Clean’

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A NEW video from Clean Coasts is encouraging people in county Kerry to pledge to clean up their area in two minutes to protect the Irish coast and waterways.

In a brand-new video produced by Clean Coasts with Cube Media, Clean Coasts is urging people to have a green New Year and choose a resolution they can commit to by pledging to do a #2minutebeachclean.

The video shows Dave (played by Bryan Quinn) trying to go into 2022 being better and greener by being more conscious of the environment.

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However, after several failed attempts he begins to lose hope until he finds himself on a beach in front of a #2minutebeachclean board and exclaims; “A 2-minute beach clean. So simple and keeps me green. New Year’s resolution in the bag!”

The campaign’s aim is to let people know that they don’t need to commit to a huge New Year’s resolution that they may not be able to sustain until the end of the year to make a difference. A #2minutebeachclean is an easy pledge to make that is flexible, doable and can be built on as your green year moves forward.

In 2021, 2,000 people pledged to do a #2minutebeachclean and received a kit. For 2022, Clean Coasts are calling people around Ireland to visit their website and pledge to do a #2minutebeachclean to receive a reusable individual beach clean kit containing a tote bag and gloves.

The next time you are out and about along the coast or near a waterway, take two minutes to pick up some litter you see, share a picture of it on social media, tag Clean Coasts, use the hashtag #2minutebeachclean and dispose of the litter properly.

Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities manager said; “The #2minutebeachclean is such a great initiative to get involved in. Every day, so many people around Ireland share their #2minutebeachclean on social media, and that helps show how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. By taking part, not only do you make an immediate positive impact for the marine environment and wildlife, but it’s also a chance to spend time outdoors by the sea, exercise and even practice mindfulness.”

To sign up to receive your own #2minutebeachclean kit, visit the Clean Coasts website at www.cleancoasts.org.

REVIEW 2021: The News From March

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in March…

• It was revealed that part of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway which was due to open before the summer 2021 season would not be completed on time.

Cllr Mikey Sheehy asked Council management how have the LEVEL 5 restrictions impacted on the Greenway completion timelines.

He was told that prior to the current COVID lockdown and the cessation of construction works it had been intended that the section for the Spa to Fenit would open in early May 2021.

However, due to the lockdown, that date would not be achievable, and a revised programme indicated that the section would not be opened before early July.

Continued below…

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• There was bad news when Bank of Ireland announced the closure of its Castleisland, Killorglin and Munster Technological University Tralee branches from September.

Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide and say footfall at the closing branches is down on average by around 60% since 2017, while digital usage has increased by one third.

 

Photo: Poshey Aherne

• KERRY County Council felled a line of trees on the Dan Spring Road in March.

The Council employed an arborist to assess the line of poplar trees along the side of the road by the Tralee Harriers grounds.

The recommendation was that the trees had reached their ‘end of life’, were not a suitable type of tree for that location and it would be appropriate to fell them.

The removal of the poplar trees was described as “deeply concerning” by Tralee Green Party representative Anne-Marie Fuller.

• The Government announced funding  of €200,000 for a walking trail in Tralee. €200,000 was granted towards connecting the Ballyseedy Amenity Trail with a new walk by the River Lee in Tralee.

The project involves the creation of a circa 5km loop walk by linking existing trails with a new 800m long trail on the northern side of the River Lee on land donated by the McGillycuddy family.

Continued below…

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• Gardaí seized €45,000 of suspected drugs in Tralee in mid-March. Gardaí from the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by Tralee Gardaí, executed a search warrant at an apartment on Upper Castle Street, Tralee.

During the search Gardaí seized eights bottles containing suspected xanax tablets with an estimated street value of €8,000. As Gardaí continued the search the found €37,200 of suspected cocaine that had been split into 19 bags.

• St Patrick’s Day was celebrated virtually with Kerry County Council presenting a special video featuring representatives from statutory bodies, local Guides, Brownies, sports clubs, primary and post-primary schools along with charities, civic and business organisations as well as marching bands and performing arts groups.

It also features global greetings and messages of hope from frontline healthcare providers who were the honorary Grand Marshals for the 2021 Virtual Parade.

• Tralee was allocated €15.9m under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

Among the projects set to benefit for Tralee are the Tralee town centre Public Realm works and a number of areas in other parts of town.

Continued below…

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• It was revealed in late March that there had been 346 COVID-related fines issued to people by gardaí in the Kerry Division up to March 25, 2021..

Gardaí in the Southern Region (Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford) issued more fines than any other region (5,035), with the Dublin region next (4,462), followed by the North Western Region (3,703) and the Eastern Region (3,234).

• It was announced the Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman would be in the Tralee area in June as she was set to star in a film written by a local woman.

‘Joyride’ was written by Tralee native Ailbhe Keogan and would be filmed in Tralee and other parts of Kerry during the summer.

• Kerry would receive €5,644,500 in funding for walking and cycling projects in towns and villages across the county.

Projects in Tralee were set to receive €1.645m of this funding. These include €1,130,000 for interconnected networks cycleways in town at Bracker O’Regan Road (€850,000), the Town Park (€180,000) and the canal to town (€100,000). Also, €515,000 had been allocated for junction upgrades in the town.

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Kerry Lottery Player Wins €500,000 In Euromillions Plus Draw

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THE winning streak continues.

For the third time in two weeks, a Kerry lottery player has scooped a big prize in the National Lottery, after the ticket for last night’s Euromillions Plus top prize of €500,000 was sold in the county.

This follows on from a Kerry player winning €250,000 in the Lotto Plus 2 Draw on Wednesday, December 22 and another lucky ticketholder from the county scooped €283,017 in the Lotto draw of Wednesday, December 15. Both of these players bought their tickets online.

The winning numbers in the Euromillions Plus draw last night were 11, 19, 26, 31 and 49. Maybe someone in the county can go one better tonight and win the big Lotto jackpot of over €19m?

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Austin Stacks Chairman Expresses Disappointment At Delay In Naming Venue For Munster Final

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Chairman of Austin Stacks GAA Club Billy Ryle. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE Chairman of Austin Stacks has expressed disappointment that the venue for next month’s Munster Club Championship Final has not been finalised yet.

Billy Ryle said the club was willing to toss a coin for home or away venue but Cork champions St Finbarrs are insisting on a neutral venue for the game to be played on Sunday January 16.

In a press statement on the issue released this evening, Mr Ryle said he was concerned about the delay in confirming the venue.

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“According to the regulations this game must be played at a neutral venue unless the teams agree to toss a coin for home venue,” he said.

“On Monday, 20th December, I was contacted by an official of Munster GAA, who informed me that Limerick GAA Board and Tipperary GAA Board were not keen to make Limerick Gaelic Grounds and Semple Stadium, Thurles, respectively, available for the game. That took me aback as this game, along with the equivalent hurling final, is the most prestigious fixture in the Munster club competitions.”

The official asked Mr Ryle if Austin Stacks would agree to toss a coin for a home fixture in Austin Stack Park, Tralee or Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork.

After he consulted with club officials, he told the official that Austin Stacks was very happy to toss a coin for home venue.

“The prospect of playing the game in Tralee on the 16th January is very attractive to Austin Stacks. The famous Rockie supporters – The 16th Man – would bring their customary carnival razzamatazz and good humour to the occasion,” he said.

“If the toss went against us, Austin Stacks would look forward to a great spectacle in Páirc Uí Ring, which would be invaded by our loyal supporters. We would have a mardi gras style carnival parade up Patrick St., the likes of which has never before been seen in Cork even in the hay-day of the great Jack Lynch. We would outnumber the home support by a ratio of two to one and our gallant team would beat The Barrs in their own backyard.”

However, the Munster GAA official informed Mr Ryle on Tuesday morning, 21st December, that St. Finbarr’s were not prepared to toss for home venue and were insisting on a neutral venue.

“I was disappointed by their rejection of an opportunity to have the game played in Cork. Or perhaps, they are running scared of The Rock and not prepared to risk the game being played in Tralee!” said Mr Ryle.

“I informed the Munster GAA official that, in that event, Austin Stacks would prefer to play the final at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick but that we would have no problem in going to Thurles if Munster GAA so decreed.”

“Since Tuesday, 21st December, I have been to-and-fro with Munster GAA. In my final communication with Munster GAA about 5pm on Thursday, 23rd December, I was informed that Munster GAA hadn’t anything confirmed yet as the Gaelic grounds and Semple stadium won’t commit at the moment. Munster GAA added that their management committee will meet on the 4th January to try and tie the details down.”

“I am concerned by the lack of urgency in that statement which confirms that no decision will be taken about the venue before the 4th January, at the earliest, nine working days before the game is due to be played.”

“Austin Stacks needs adequate time to put the normal logistical arrangements in place. We need to know where the game is being played. This is a very big game for The Rock, Tralee and Kerry, so I want to avoid any procrastination and indecision during the week of 4th January which could result in a venue for the game not been decided until the eleventh hour.”

“I have informed Munster GAA that Austin Stacks’ offer to toss a coin for home venue remains on the table and in the spirit of the Christmas season, I am requesting St. Finbarr’s to reconsider their refusal to help out Munster GAA in its present difficulty,” he continued.

“It’s a great opportunity to keep the game local for one of the teams. Tralee or Cork will get a much-needed financial fillip. If St. Finbarr’s win the toss, Austin Stacks will look forward to playing them and beating them in Páirc Uí Rinn on the 16th January. Alternatively, if Austin Stacks win the toss, we will look forward to playing The Barrs in Tralee where they will be given a hundred thousand welcomes by the Rockies.”

“They are guaranteed the best of hospitality in the friendliest town in Ireland and they will return to Cork with wonderful memories, albeit without the O’Connor Cup,” said Mr Ryle.

REVIEW 2021: The News From February

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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in February…

• On February 1, it was revealed the number of new car registrations in Kerry in January was down over 22% compared to January 2019, but this was expected due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry showed there were 550 new cars sold in January, compared to 707 in the same month last year (down 22.21%).

• The 31 Day January challenge for#positivementalhealth came to an end and over €10,000 was raised for three great causes — the Baile Mhuire Stroke Unit in Tralee the Alzheimers Society of Ireland and Rise4Daithi.

The event, organised by Colin ‘Poshey’ Aherne and Caroline Corkery promoted exercise, good mental health, fitness and well being where participants do an activity a day for 31 days and make a contribution to a gofundme page.

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• TRALEE gardaí featured prominently in a new video uploaded to the official Garda social media accounts which went viral.

They were part of a national Garda response to a challenge laid down by Swiss police in January where they did a choreographed dance to Master KG’s ‘Jerusalema’ and posted it on social media.

Tralee gardai in the video were seen dancing on the roof of the Tralee Garda Station, out in Fenit and by the canal.

• THE Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle (RoKCC) organising committee made the decision to cancel the 2021 event due to the uncertainty surrounding public health guidelines in the summer.

The annual event, one of Ireland’s largest charity cycling events, traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in July but was also cancelled in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.

• It was revealed that mass vaccination centre would be located in Tralee and Killarney.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Mikey Sheehy said two sites — at the Kerry Sports Academy at the Munster Technological University campus in Dromtacker and Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre — had been chosen in Kerry.

Continued below…

• Tralee Chamber expressed its “extreme dissatisfaction” that the town had been excluded from the Outdoor Dining Scheme announced on February 11..

Failte Ireland announced that the new Outdoor Dining Scheme would focus on Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Cork and Athlone but hospitality businesses from other locations, including Kerry were excluded from the scheme.

•  Someone who bought their lotto ticket in Tralee won a cash prize of €34,580 on February 13. The winner from Kerry purchased their Quick Pick ticket at O’Connor’s Spar in Rathass in Tralee.

• It was announced on February 15 that €29,546,648 has been granted to Kerry Co Council under the 2021 investment programme for regional and local roads.

Under the programme, the Tralee Northern Relief Road would receive €1,500,000 in direct funding while the Dale road (R556) was awarded €2,500,000 for specific improvements.

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• The members of Cara Credit Union and Clanmaurice Credit Union agreed a merger of the two credit unions.

The combined credit union would have assets of over €270 million and 58,000 members. The offices at Tralee, Killorglin, Castleisland, Ballyduff and Causeway will remain open for members.

• The most popular names for new babies in 2020 was revealed in late February. The Central Statistics Office has revealed that Ella is the most popular girls name in Kerry while Darragh and Jack are the most popular boys names in the county.

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PHOTOS: A St Stephen’s Day Tradition Resumes With Bill Kirby Memorial Walk

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Valerie Reardon, Bridget Reardon, John Reardon, Mark Reardon, Geraldine Reardon, Nouredine Sebak and Angela Sebak at the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE weather stayed kind on Sunday morning as a fine crowd gathered to take part in the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.

The walk, which is organised every year by Michael ‘Fox’ O’Connor, had to be cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions, but the tradition resumed on St Stephen’s Day and it saw people of all ages set off on the route.

They departed from the Brogue Inn at 11.30am, setting off up Rock Street and Monavalley, over to the Bracker Regan Road, down Caherslee then back to The Rock through Pembroke Street.

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After the walk, there were hot drinks back outside the Brogue Inn, compliments of the Kirby/Cotter family.

The walk has raised hundreds of thousands of euro for charity ever since it began as a fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society back in 1999. Since 2006, all money raised has gone to the Kerry Hospice. Scroll down for photos…

Geraldine Smullen, Mary Smullen, Aoife, Mike and Carmel Ross at the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
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MIck Naughton, Francis O’Shea and Mike Duggan at the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
Maud Walsh, Richard Walsh and Rose Blackwell at the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Bernadette O’Callaghan, Antoinette McGrath and Maria McGrath at the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
Some of the people gathered at the start of the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Setting off on the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Setting off on the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Bill Kirby Memorial Walk from Kirby’s Brogue Inn on St Stephen’s Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Austin Stacks GAA Club News

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HAPPY NEW YEAR: We wish all our members, supporters and everyone in the local community a happy and safe 2022.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: The forthcoming Munster Final will be the 3rd time that ourselves and St. Finbarrs have met one another in the Munster competition. Both sides have a win each to their credit from the two occasions that we have met. We won the first encounter away back in 1976/77 – a Munster final – by just two points (1-7 to – 0-8). We went on to win our one and only All Ireland Final to date later in that season. The only other time we have met was in the 1986/87 campaign – in a Munster semi final – when the Cork boys had a six points victory (0-11 to 0-5). They went on to win that All Ireland Final – the last of the three All Irelands that they have won to date – the other two were in 1980 and 1981.

SENIOR FOOTBALL 2021. For a season that didn’t get going until 12th June what a calendar year it has been for our Seniors. We have played 15 competitive games – drew the first two, lost game number 3 and then went on to win the remaining 12 games – something we have only achieved on one more occasion in the Club’s history – that in 2018, also under the leadership of Wayne Quillinan.

The first three games were in the five round Co. League and we then went on to win the remaining two rounds which kept us in division one again for season 2022. We then won all the five games in the Club Championship, culminating in a win in the Club final against Kenmare Shamrocks (1-16 to 1-11).  We went on then to win all four games in the County Championship including the final against Kerins O’Rahillys (0-13 to 0-10). It was only the second time in the Club’s history to have won the Club and Co. Championship double in the same year – the first being in 1979, the inaugural year of the Club Championship. Our 15th and final game in 2021 was the recent win against Newcastlewest in the Munster Club Championship semi final (1-15 to 0-8). So a very successful 2021 calendar year. Chief scorer was Darragh O’Brien as he was in seasons 2018 and 2019.  Seán Quilter was in second spot with Shane O’Callaghan (who was tops in 2020) in 3rd position this year.

And of course the outstanding statistic of 2021 was that achieved by Kieran Donaghy when he eclipsed a record that had stood for nearly 30 years, surpassing Ger O’Keeffe’s record for the most Co. Championship games played. Ger, with 59 games played, had held that record since 5th July 1992. The recent Co. Final against Strand Road has extended Star’s record to 63 County Championship appearances.

FITNESS CLASSES: The Individual Pod Fitness Training sessions continues in the Clubhouse every Tuesday and Thursday evenings  from 7pm to 8pm. All are welcome. Contact Diane at 087 7940531 for further information.

DECEMBER IN THE PAST (22nd to 31st): On the field of play on 22nd Dec 2020 the Kerry Minors won their 49th Munster title with seven Rock players on the Kerry panel – Joey Nagle, Armin Heinrich, Ben Quilter, Jordan Kissane, Conor Horan, Shane Bastible and Dean Rusk.

Off the field – on 28th Dec 1918 – Austin Stack was elected as a Sinn Féin TD for West Kerry in the first Dáil.

In the closing days of December in the past four famous Rock men went to their eternal rewards. In 1975 (27th Dec) Joe Mulchinock died suddenly after returning from his other great love – the Annual Coarsing Meeting in Ballybeggan Park. Then in 2017 (22nd Dec) both Paul Lucey and Paddy Scanlan passed away and finally this time last year (30th Dec) we bade farewell to Pa Fitzgerald.

ONLINE CLUB SHOP: A reminder that our Club shop is open 24/7. Check out the newest ‘official’ Austin Stacks Club Merchandise – only available to order on this link (free delivery on any orders over €50) see www.oneills.com We would also like to introduce the new Austin Stacks Ganzee Club Clothing Collection, available in Mens/Unisex, Womens & kids check out all the style ranges in hoodies, t-shirts and sweatshirts on www.ganzee.ie/austin-stacks-gaa-clubs/

CARDS: The new restrictions that came into place last week-end means that our Card sessions cannot now take place again until the end of January at the earliest.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently: Brian (Joseph) McCann, Cahermoneen (father of former Club Footballer, Declan); Patrick (Patsy) Breen, Gurrane, Oakpark and formerly Cloon, Glencar; Betty O’Sullivan, St. Anthony’s Court and formerly Mitchel’s  Road; Joan Pitman (nee Callaghan), Mitchel’s Avenue and formerly Mitchel’s Crescent; and Mary Nolan (nee McCannon), Castleisland and formerly St. Brendans Park (sister of Donie and aunt of former Club Footballers, Pogga, Mikey, Danny and Paul).

REVIEW 2021: The News From January

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Beginning our review of the news we brought you this year, we start at the obvious point, January…

• Ireland’s newest technological university was established on January 1. Munster Technological University (MTU) is a consortium of Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) and was designated as a technological university earlier in 2020 but officially came into being at the start of 2021.

• Early in January the Government announced schools would remain closed until at least February, bars and restaurants would also remain closed until April and a series of other restrictions were announced due to the escalating COVID crisis as lockdown continued into the new year.

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• It was revealed that Manor West Retail Park was set to have a new tenant by June with the creation of 12 full-time jobs. Danish retail company JYSK was to open its third Irish store to date in Tralee at Unit 5 Manor West Retail Park in Tralee.

• Shane Enright announced his retirement from inter-county football on January 6.

The Tarbert man won an All-Ireland Senior Championship medal in 2014, two National League medals and an All-Star Award along with a host of other accolades during his time with the Kerry seniors.

• A Kerry man who was reporting on the chaos on Capitol Hill on January 6 became a household name this month.

Donie O’Sullivan, the CNN journalist from Cahersiveen, started trending on Twitter during the event when his live reports from Washington were relayed to screens all over the world.

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• Students from Tralee schools were successful with their entries in the BT Young Scientist And Technology Exhibition which took place online.

The Science Foundation of Ireland award and Technology Junior Group 1st place went to first years Conor Flaherty, Ethan Ward, Philip Tracey of CBS The Green.

The IE Domain Registry award and Social and Behavioural Junior Individual 1st place went to Preston O’Keeffe of CBS Tralee.

Dara Newsome, David Hughes and Conor Bradshaw from Mercy Mounthawk won a Special Analog Devices Award for Best Project in Technology.

Cllr Mikey Sheehy

• Tralee Municipal District Cllr Mikey Sheehy called for one of the planned mass vaccination centres to be located in Tralee. Cllr Sheehy moved an emergency motion at the January meeting of Tralee Municipal District on the issue.

• Gardaí in Kerry were to start issuing more fines in relation to people breaching the 5km rule during lockdown.

At the online meeting of the Joint Policing Committee on January 15, Kerry Garda Division Chief Superintendent Eileen Foster said she noticed traffic was heavier during this particular lockdown compared to the same period last spring.

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• A service station in Listowel was announced as the store where a lucky person bought their winning €1 million Daily Million ticket which was won on January 14. The National Lottery revealed that the Fitzgerald Centra filling station on Church Street, Listowel, is the store where the player bought their winning ticket.

• The latest results in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) on January 25 showed Tralee retained its ‘Clean To European Norms’ status, and is placed 17th out of 37 towns and cities in the country. It was a fall of two places from the previous survey in October.

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Na Gaeil GAA Club News

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New Year Greetings    We wish everybody involved in Na Gaeil Club, including officers, coaches, mentors, players, supporters, parents, patrons and visitors to our club a very Happy New Year.

Winners of Na Gaeil Sevens Competition in Killeen on St. Stephen’s Day.
Players both past and present that took part in the Na Gaeil Sevens Competition on St. Stephen’s Day.

Sevens Competition    Many Na Gaeil footballers, both young and old, past and present gathered in Killeen on St. Stephen’s Day for the club’s annual sevens competition. A great morning’s football was enjoyed by all present and the games were ably refereed by Vince and Liam Cooper. Congratulations to the winning team of Liam Culloty, Stefan Okunbor, Pa Roche, Dylan Brazil, Jack Doyle and Vince Cooper.

Munster Final    The Munster Intermediate Final between Na Gaeil and Clare champions, Corofin is fixed for the weekend of the 15th / 16th of January. The venue for this game has yet to be decided.

Bobble Hats    Na Gaeil bobble hats were sold out in a matter of hours of going on sale last week but the good news is that another batch is on the way. They will be available for purchase in the clubhouse and in Byrnes Spar, Oakpark.

Clubhouse Bar    In light of the new government restrictions imposed, which state that all bars are required to close at 8pm, and in order to facilitate our customers during these challenging times, Na Gaeil Clubhouse has amended its opening hours for the festive period which are as follows: Monday 27th to Thursday 30th : 4pm to 8pm; Friday 31st New Year’s Eve: 1pm to 8pm; Saturday Jan 1st : 2pm to 8pm. Sunday January 2nd : 2pm to 8pm. Bookings for New Year’s Eve are essential as numbers will be limited. Toasted sandwich, chips and coleslaw will be on offer at €7, on Monday to Thursday from 5.30 to 7pm and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6pm

Christmas Raffle    Na Gaeil Bingo Committee would like to thank everyone that supported its Christmas Raffle. The winners are as follows: 1st prize: Johnny Maunsell; 2nd prize: Will Nolan; 3rd prize: Clodagh Moriarty; 4th prize: Mícheál Herlihy; 5th prize; Owen O’Connor; 6th prize: Harold Tansley. Congratulations to all the winners. Na Gaeil Bingo Committee wishes everyone a very Happy New Year.

Na Gaeilgoers    It’s Back! Na Gaeilgoers walking / running group is back every Monday and Thursday evening at 7.30pm sharp. Start your fitness journey by walking or running 5km while also getting fresh air and meeting new people. High vis jackets a must. Route will be around Tralee town and will be explained on the night. Children welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the route. Please arrive at Na Gaeil and have parked by 7.25pm. Respect social distancing. This event will go ahead unless there is a weather warning. So please come along and join us.

Sympathy   Na Gaeil GAA Club would like to extend its sincere sympathy to Bridget Herbert and her family, Racecourse Road, on the sad passing of Bridget’s brother Denis, in Tulla, Co. Clare recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

AGM    Our club AGM will now take place on Thursday, January 20th 2022 at 8pm. Any motions will have to be submitted to John Keating at secretary.nagaeil.kerry@gaa.ie by Thursday, December 30th 2021.

Lotto     Our Lotto draw was held on Tuesday last, December 21st in the clubhouse at 7.30pm.  Numbers drawn were: 3, 8, 16, 32. There was no winner. €20 Lucky Dip winners were: Shane O’Brien, John Reen, Harold & Ita Behan, Dick Carmody and Johnny Maunsell. Next week’s jackpot is €6,050.

Bingo    Due to the new closing hour of 8pm for bars and clubs we have no option but to cancel our Monday night bingo until restrictions are eased and things get back to normal again. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. Na Gaeil Bingo Committee would like to wish all our patrons a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Win a House     Win a house in Killarney with Kerry GAA.   For €100 you could win a stunning new build A-rated 3 bedroom house superbly located just off the Park Road in Killarney. Kerry GAA is also running numerous other promotional draws throughout the fundraising campaign. The earlier you purchase your “Win a House in Killarney” ticket (or tickets!) the more draws you will be entered into. Remember all tickets purchased before the deadline for each promotional draw will entitle you to be entered into all promotional draws thereafter. Support your club and support your county. Go to kerrygaa.ieand buy your ticket today. If you’re not in you can’t win!

Milltown/Castlemaine GAA Club News

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

From everyone at Milltown / Castlemaine GAA

We hope all our club members, our community, friends, family at home & across the globe had a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the very best for the coming new year.

Lotto:

Sponsored by Almas Takeaway, Milltown

Our next draw is tomorrow (Monday, December 27th 2021) where the jackpot will be €12,600.

Get you tickets for this draw or renew your yearly tickets right here…

Play / Renew MC GAA Lotto

Christmas Draw

In addition to our usual lotto draw our yearly lotto (red ticket) ticket holders will be in with a chance to win some

great spot prizes including:

€50 voucher for Burkes Butchers

€50 voucher for  Foleys Spar

€25 voucher for O’Doherty’s Pharmacy

€25 voucher for Kelly’s Londis Milltown

2 x €25 vouchers for Almas Takeaway

€25 voucher for Griffin’s Bar

Tune in to our Lotto Draw at 9.30pm tomorrow night to find out the winners and to check your lucky numbers to see if you are a winner

in our fortnightly lotto fundraising draw

Mile búiochas do gach duine for playing Milltown/Castlemaine Clubs Fortnightly

Fundraiser, the money raised is vital to the day to day running of our club and your

supp

ort is sincerely appreciated.

BAILE AN MHUILINN – CAISLEÁN NA MAINGE ABU.

News Update:

Operation Transformation

The year has not finished but we are looking towards the new one and hoping to create a team at our club for Operation Transformation in January. At the moment we are looking for anyone interested in helping to organise our clubs OT efforts? Please contact Danny on 087 653 6631 if you are interested.

Pitch Maintenance

Please note that the main pitch and training area 1 are temporarily closed for maintenance. When visiting the grounds to play football or train please use training pitch 2 (behind the goals). Many thanks from the pitch maintenance team.

St Pats GAA Club News

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Club Lotto

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot of €2900 on Sunday night last. The numbers drawn were &.  The five €30 consolation prizes went to:

Paul Clapham c/o Bettys
Martin Duggan c/o Bettys
O Regans Curragraigue
Terry & Annette Boyle
Finn Thornton Gala
Next week’s Lotto will have a Jackpot of €3000 and the draw will take place on Sunday night 02/01/2022 at 9-15PM. Lotto tickets can be purchased online https://www.locallotto.ie/play.asp?LL_ID=1328&PC=0  from any club officer or at the following outlets:

O’Sheas Shop and Service Station Blennerville

Poff Motors Dingle Road

Seamus O’Sullivan Master Butchers Manor

Noyeks Mile Height

Byrnesworth

Skelper Quanes

Keanes of Curraheen

Betty’s Bar

Rock Inn

Many thanks to all who contribute to our weekly Club Lotto. The Club cannot emphasise enough the importance of our members promoting the Club Lotto among family, friends and work colleagues. The Lotto is now a critical source of funds for the Club.

We are appealing to all club members to promote our lotto at this time to ensure our clubs future viability.

Please have your lotto entries in by 7pm, every Sunday evenings.

 

Congratulations

To Fionn Foley and Jemma Moroney who are getting married this week

To Alan O Donoghue and Lisa Culhane who are also getting married this week.

Speed Recovery

The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Jordan Conway

Sympathy

The club would like to extend its sympathy to the families and friends of Betty McMahon Dublin, Hannah O Regan nee Carmody Ballymac, Patrick Breen Gurrane, and Fr. McNamara Clare and Imelda Moore Kilrush, Clare.

Weather Advisory Issued For Country Until Late Friday Night

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A WEATHER Advisory for Ireland has been issued by Met Éireann for the remainder of the week.

From Monday night onwards, spells of rain, which will be heavy at times, coupled with already saturated soils, may lead to localised flooding.

The warning is valid from Monday afternoon until Friday night. Further more localised weather warnings may follow later in the week.

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Locally in Kerry, it looks like dry enough Monday afternoon with some rain overnight clearing to a dry and mild Tuesday.

Rain will arrive on Tuesday night and linger until Wednesday afternoon when it will clear for the remainder of the day.

At this stage, it looks like Thursday and Friday will be showery although there could also be persistent spells of rain.

Company To Create Up To 50 Jobs At New Tralee Hub Next Year

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Liz Shanahan.

THE Waterford-based Akusus Group is planning to add 350 jobs in Ireland and the US in 2022, including up to 50 in Tralee.

The Sunday Independent has reported that the company is to create a new hub in Tralee next year, initially employing 40 to 50, but growing the workforce to 200 to 250 employees over the next three years.

The Akusus Group —  which has recently appointed Castleisland native Liz Shanahan as its Chairperson — includes Rigneydolphin and RelateCare and provides consulting and outsourcing services.

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The company is headquartered in Waterford City, with hubs in Cleveland, Ohio and Little Rock, Arkansas. It employs more than 1,300 people, with 950 of those employees in Ireland.

Ms Shanahan has more than 25 years’ experience working with the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers. She said she is delighted to announce the company’s expansion into Kerry.

PHOTOS: Sunshine And A Great Atmosphere At The Banna Christmas Day Swim

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Bernie O’Flaherty and Hazel McMahon at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

WHILE the weather on Saturday morning was a mixture of sunshine and heavy showers, it cleared up beautifully in Banna for the annual Christmas Day swim.

There was a steady stream of visitors to the beach from around 10am where they took a dip and made a donation to the Banna Sea Rescue.

But from around 12 noon, the car park began to fill up and a couple of hundred brave souls lined up for the 12.30pm dash into the water.

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The sun shone as Santa Claus and Brian Crean of Banna Sea Rescue counted down the bathers and they made the long run into the sea.

Most of those who dashed into the ocean three times declared the water to be “lovely” and “refreshing”, so we’ll take their word for it!

There was no traditional gathering for refreshments afterwards due to COVID public health advice, but it was a safe way for the community to get together on the beach, have some fun and contribute to a good cause. Well done all. Scroll down for photos…

Bernie, Nicola, Sharon and Rachel O’Mahony at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Bríd O’Connor holding Conor Kelly, at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mia O’Neill, John Doody and Leona O’Neill Bernie, Nicola, Sharon and Rachel O’Mahony at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Aidan O’Kelly, Ruairi O’Kelly, David O’Connor and Shane Walsh at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
In front, Aoife and Orla Lyons with Caroline Lyons, Brendan Boyle, Maeve Lyons and Donal Lyons at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Tony O’Halloran and John Joe Sheehy at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mia and Ronan Falvey at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Paulina and son Eric at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tania and Einín Lawlor at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Katie Tobin Walsh, Danny Walsh and Hasia Tobin Walsh at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Making a dash to the ocean at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Declan McCarthy and John Griffin at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Maurice O’Keeffe and Eamonn Brackett at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Tom Lynch Bernie, at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Paul Crean and Joan Walsh at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Fiona Brosnan and Anne Costello at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Lily, Irene and Kevin Reardon at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

Rachel O’Mahony making a dash to the water at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Making a dash to the ocean at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Frances and Sinead McCarthy at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Making a dash to the ocean at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Making a dash to the ocean at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ethan Doody and John Doody at the Banna Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

Three Things To Do In Tralee And Beyond Over The Weekend

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Just in case you want to get some fresh air over the next few days, there are a few things on in town and beyond despite the restrictions…

1. Go for a Christmas morning run…

Christmas falls on a Saturday so that means it’s Parkrun Day. Get the morning off to a healthy start by taking part at the usual time of 9.30am in the Town Park.

Also, the GOAL mile will be taking place at 11am after the Parkrun if you want to get involved for a great cause. See more details here.

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2. Then head for a dip in Banna…

There’s no official swim taking place in Fenit, but Banna Sea Rescue is organising one on Banna beach at 12.30pm.

There will be a few restrictions in recognition of the threat of COVID with no traditional gathering for refreshments afterwards.

Given the current public health advice, Banna Strand is an ideal outdoor venue, with a sizeable stretch of pristine beach.

Swimmers will be sent into the ocean by Santa three times and for good measure lifeboat crews will be on hand keeping a watchful eye. For more details, click here

3. Walk off the turkey…

Join Michael ‘Fox’ O’Connor and friends for the annual Bill Kirby Memorial Walk on St Stephen’s Day in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation. It starts from the Brogue Inn at 11.30am but the fun and entertainment begins from 11am.

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Finnegan On Films: A Selection Box Of Delights On TV This Weekend

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Our movie guy, James Finnegan,  looks at some great films on the box over the coming Christmas weekend…

There are so many good films on RTE and TG4 this Christmas, I need to quickly give you my ‘Selection Box’ before I change my mind and give you another Santa list with films just as good.

E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial (Christmas Eve 1.40pm RTE1) is the utterly charming story of a young boy finding and befriending a stranded alien.

He must hide him from the searching military in his house, help him contact home, and the situation becomes even more dire as ET falls ill.  An early Stephen Spielberg classic that is well worth rewatching.

On another whimsical note comes The Man Who Invented Christmas (Christmas Eve 3.45pm RTE1).

It is London in 1845, and author Charles Dickens last three books have not been successful. Desperate for inspiration, and indeed funds, he finds hints for a new story in the characters he comes across in his life.

Starring Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) and the late, lamented Christopher Plummer, this is an imaginative reworking of a popular tale.

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Back to the Future (Christmas Day 1.55pm RTE1) is the wonderfully inventive story of how Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) is sent back from 1985 to 1955 in a time travelling DeLorean car built by a brilliant, but eccentric, scientist Doc Brown, played by the equally brilliant Christopher Lloyd.

Unfortunately Marty inadvertently prevents his future parents meeting, which would have consequences for his own existence.

So now he must not only reconcile his future parents, but somehow also get back to his own time. What could possibly go wrong?

Paddington 2 (Christmas Day 4.10pm RTE1) is one of those rare films where the sequel is even better than the original.

Paddington has settled in well with the Brown family and the locals, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.

He spots an excellent present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, but when it is stolen, Paddington finds himself framed for the theft. The real culprit is egotistical actor Phoenix Buchanan, played with consummate relish by Hugh Grant.

Starring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brenda Gleeson and Ben Wishaw as the voice of Paddington, this is a wonderful film for all the family.

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Sing Street (Christmas Day 11.15 pm TG4) is one of those charming coming-of-age films, and, even better, an Irish film.

Connor (Ferdia Walsh-Peel) is going through a turbulent time. Not only has he been taken out of his exclusive school for financial reasons but he is now he is attending a tough inner city school.

In an effort to impress a beautiful young girl, Raphina, he asks her to appear in a music video. All he needs to do is set up a band – and quickly.

Also starring Lucy Boynton, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillan and Jack Reynor, this is one of those secret gems.

From the same fervent imagination that brought us James Bond, comes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (St Stephens Day 3.20pm RTE2) the story of the Potts family, and a magical car that flies us to magical adventures in faraway lands.  Of course, such a car is envied by many, including a greedy tyrant who will do anything to get it.

Starring Dick Van Dyke, Lionel Jeffries, James Robertson Justice and, sadly as I write these words, I find out that Sally Ann Howes who played Truly Scrumptious, has just passed away.

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The Greatest Showman (St Stephens Day 6.25pm RTE1) is the somewhat glamorised version of P. T. Barnum, but it is the type of imagination and innovative film that would appeal to the man himself, played here by Hugh Jackman.

Starring Zac Effron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya, this is an amazing spectacle with musical numbers that would get the most miserable up and dancing.

One of the Coen Brothers best films, and certainly one of George Clooney’s best comedic performances is O Brother, Where Art Thou? (St Stephens Day 10.35pm TG4).

Three bumbling crooks, Ulysses (Clooney), Pete (John Turturro) and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) escape a chain gang.

They embark on a journey to hind hidden loot, while being chased by lawmen and undergoing encounters with various characters.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy and stay safe.

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Radio Kerry Christmas Jumper Day Raises Over €20,000 For SVP

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Radio Kerry’s Andrew Morrissey and Elaine Kinsella on Christmas Jumper Day earlier this month.

RADIO Kerry’s annual countywide Christmas Jumper Day 2021 fundraiser for St Vincent de Paul and supported by Garvey’s SuperValu has raised €21,281.

It is the eighth year of the fundraiser and brings the amount raised to date to over €138,000.

Schools, crèches, factories, shops and individuals and pets across the county took part in the 2021 Christmas Jumper Day on Friday December 10th.

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There was lots of festive colour with jumpers of all shapes, colour and sizes, shop bought and borrowed.

Junior Locke and Paddy Kevane of St Vincent de Paul Kerry thanked everyone who took part and donated once again for their generosity.  Once again Kerry shows great community spirit in difficult times.  The money raised will help St Vincent de Paul to make it a better Christmas and 2022 for Kerry families who continue to face great difficulties.

St Vincent de Paul operate a donation centre in Monavalley, Tralee and eight stores across their Conference areas in Tralee, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare and Abbeyfeale. Donations can be made directly to the St Vincent de Paul Kerry bank account IBAN:  IE07 BOFI 9058 3896 5291 51, at their shops around the county and via https://pay-payzone.easypaymentsplus.com/fundraising/campaign/86

Tralee Local Electoral Area Sees Decrease In COVID Cases

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THE number of new COVID-19 cases decreased in the Tralee Local Electoral Area in the 14 day period up to Monday, December 20.

There were 557 new confirmed cases in that period compared to the 598 in the fortnight up to Monday, December 13, according to figures available on the Government’s COVID-19 data hub.

Tralee LEA has a 14-day incidence rate of 1,650 (down from 1,810) per 100,000 of the population, still far above the national incidence of 1,344 per 100,000 as of last Monday. It’s by far the highest rate in the county.

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The incidence rate in Kerry is 1,106.9  per 100,000, the 16th highest county in the country. In all, there were 1,635 new cases recorded in Kerry during the fortnight period, down from the 1,691 cases recorded in the fortnight up to December 13.

The other five LEAs are below the national incidence rate.

Listowel LEA saw 307 new cases and a rate of 1070 per 100,000. Killarney Electoral Area saw 299 new cases, a current 14-day incidence rate of 1009 per 100k of the population.

The Kenmare LEA had 227 new cases, a rate of 905 per 100,000. The Castleisland LEA saw 151 new cases and a rate of 880 per 100,000. The Corca Dhuibhne Local Electoral Area saw 123 new cases and a rate of 867 per 100,000.

There have been 16,755 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kerry, since the pandemic began according to the latest data.

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