THE number of patients waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Kerry in March was the highest for that month since records began.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation trolley watch figures for the month showed there were 401 patients waiting on trolleys at UHK in March compared to 338 in 2022 and the previous high of 360 in 2019.
The INMO confirmed that this month has been the worst March for overcrowding nationwide since the union began counting trolleys in 2006. There were 12,943 admitted patients, including 447 children, treated on trolleys or chairs in hospitals around the country this month.
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INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “This has been the worst March for overcrowding since the INMO began counting trolleys in 2006. In some hospitals the level of overcrowding we have seen has been out of control and cannot be allowed to continue into the spring and summer months.
“Our analysis on the success of the HSE’s Winter Plan, which is due to come to an end today, has shown that more people than ever have been on trolleys during the health service’s winter period (October-March) with just under 70,000 people on trolleys during this period.
“It is time for the HSE and Department of Health to devise a multi-annual plan as to how we tackle overcrowding. It is clear that it is no longer just a winter overcrowding crisis but a year-long one.
“The State cannot expect nurses to bear the brunt of the crisis and work at full tilt in constantly overcrowded and understaffed wards year-round. Nurses want to be able to carry out the high quality care that they have been trained to do but cannot provide in these circumstances. There must be a change in mindset in how we approach this overcrowding crisis across from senior decision-makers from hospital management to HSE senior management levels. The INMO has sought to meet with the HSE to discuss these issues,” she concluded.
PRESENTATION Tralee enjoyed a Love Literature Week to remember over the past week. The school’s festival of the arts was opened by former past pupil, Celine Slattery who captivated students with her life story and marvellous wit.
Award-winning young adult author, E.R Murray engaged in a stimulating workshop with second years while first years really enjoyed the poetry of Gabriel Fitzmaurice.
Another highlight was troubadour Larry Beau who entertained 5th years. Meanwhile, 4th years were blown away by Bernard Casey’s interesting theatre workshop. Award-winning poet Victoria Kennefick inspired second years with a brilliant poetry workshop.
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A Junk Kouture Fashion Show was a big hit thanks to the Art Department where students were very impressed by the original designs of fourth years, including the outfit which has reached the National Junk Kouture Final.
The Dress Up Day on Friday was a tremendous success with students and staff alike in splendid festive gear. The teachers hosted a mock wedding with Bernard Casey featuring as an uncle.
The Drop Everything and Read Event proved very popular. All first years and fourth years loved their trip to the Tralee Omniplex to view a specially screened ‘Matilda, the Musical’.
“Love Literature Week is important as it stimulates students to appreciate the arts which is an invaluable life skill going forward,” said Principal Mairead Finucane. Scroll down for photos…
OVER 180 guests attended the Business Leaders’ Gala Dinner on Thursday evening at the Rose Hotel in Tralee to recognise the achievements of Kerry-based business leaders.
Presented by Kerry Innovation Centre and sponsored by Kerry County Council and EY Ireland, this annual event is the pinnacle award celebration for ambitious businesses from across the county.
Attendees on the evening included the county’s leading enterprises, entrepreneurs, and professional services, as well as representatives from Kerry County Council, Enterprise Ireland, Munster Technological University, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, Údarás na Gaeltachta, North, East & West Kerry Development; South Kerry Partnership Development, IRD Duhallow, and Tralee Chamber Alliance.
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Three awards were presented on the night, recognising the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of Kerry-based business leaders:
• Sean Ryan, CEO Aspen Grove – Business Leader of the Year 2023
• Aoife Ní Mhuirí, CEO Salaso – Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
• Patricia Quane – retired VP & General Manager of Astellas Ireland and Chair of the South-West Regional Steering Committee – Lifetime Contribution Award 2023
Following a sumptuous five course meal, guests enjoyed an engaging and informative after dinner speech from former Irish Rugby International Mick Galwey.
Commenting on the selection of the award recipients, Brid McElligott, Chair of Kerry Innovation Centre said; “Kerry Innovation Centre is a not-for-profit organisation with a remit to support and advance enterprise activities across Kerry.”
“It is our privilege to be able to organise an event which honours the business community in Kerry, and we are delighted to present these awards in recognition of the entrepreneurial drive, determination and ability demonstrated by all the worthy winners. They have all demonstrated vision, foresight, and outstanding leadership, which serve as a beacon of example for current and future business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Previous recipients of awards at this event include Ned Harty, Donie Ring, Tomas Garvey, Brian Mc Carthy, the Stack family (Tricel), Pat O Leary, and Ogie Sheehy & Kathleen Wall. The Business Leaders Gala Dinner takes places as part of Kerry Month of Enterprise (KMOE). Scroll down for photos…
COMMUNITY groups and projects in the Tralee Municipal District area will receive €48,500 under the Community Support Fund in 2023.
Kerry County Council has announced details of the allocation of €750,000 in funding support across the county under the fund this year.
Projects and clubs in Tralee to receive funding include the Chamber Alliance for the St Patricks Day Parade (€8,000), Tralee Boxing Club (€3,500), the Irish Pipe Band Association (€4,000) and Friends Of Able (€6,000) and Tralee Food Festival (€4,000).
Groups and projects in the Killarney MD received €75,000; Castleisland Corca Dhuibhne MD €42,000; Kenmare MD €35,000; Killarney MD €75,000 and Listowel MD €38,000.
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A total of 198 groups and projects received grant aid worth €256,000 this year while a proportion of the fund, totalling €494,000 is being retained to leverage funding from other funding streams for strategic projects at Municipal District level.
Councillors in the five Municipal Districts met during the past week to decide on the allocations and unanimously welcomed the provision of support to the recipients. Councillors congratulated all the community groups and acknowledged the tremendous voluntary work that these groups do. The Tralee Municipal District allocation is as follows…
KERRY Recreation & Sports Partnership and Kerry Volunteer Centre will host a series of club and volunteer fairs over the coming weeks and months with the Tralee are fair taking place this Sunday.
Not-for-profit clubs and organisations will take the chance to promote, recruit, and showcase the opportunities and activities they have taking place in their local community. The fair will run from 12noon to 3pm at The Meadowlands Hotel.
The event is free to attend and enables members of the public come and see what is available for them in their community and to speak and engage with the clubs and organisations directly, to find out more for themselves.
Tralee Boxing Club is gearing up for our annual Easter event this coming weekend. We will kick off early with flag days on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of April.
Members and friends of the club will be out at various locations around the town collecting donations for the upkeep and running of the club. As a completely volunteer run not-for-profit club, we depend on volunteers and the good will of people in our community to keep Tralee Boxing Club functioning and able to provide a space for everyone to develop and grow through boxing.
To get involved please contact us on the club WhatsApp page or through Facebook at Tralee Boxing Club. Giving back to the club, in the form of a couple of hours of your time would be deeply appreciated.
The club will close on Good Friday and Easter Monday, also there will be a slight change to the regular class schedule. Check out TBC Facebook page or the WhatsApp for details of classes over the Easter period.
Our Annual Easter Fun Run will take place in the town park on Sunday 9th at 10:30am. The 5km run/walk will be followed by an Easter Party and Raffle, held in the club gym. All members, sponsors, friends of the club and their families are welcome to attend both the run and the Raffle.
Tickets are still on sale from the club gym in Monavalley or contact us on Facebook. There are tons of fantastic prizes on offer. Snap up your tickets now at €5 each or 3 for €10, and you could be picking up a luxury Easter hamper after your Easter Sunday morning jog.
Tralee Boxing Club would like to extend a warm welcome to some new members of our boxing family. John Hailpin and the crew from Inspired at Brandon Court, have added a weekly boxing session to their list of physical activities and are making TBC’S gym their own for the next few weeks.
Inspired is a fantastic community project that empowers adults with learning difficulties to live meaningful and purposeful lives. Inspired supports participants to exercise as much as possible to help them achieve their life goals, and participants can choose from a wide variety of sporting activities, including gym, swimming, football, basketball, walking and now boxing too.
Welcome to the club lads and lasses, we wish you all the best with your fitness and wellbeing, just remember…keep those hands up!
Finally, Tralee Boxing Club is delighted to get the opportunity to host a spot at the 2023 Kerry Club and Volunteer Fair which will take place on Sunday April 2nd at the Meadowlands Hotel in Oakpark, V92DC83.
Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership have teamed up with Kerry Volunteer Centre to celebrate and promote the range of wonderful local community , not-for-profit clubs in the town, and to facilitate members of the public to learn about and meet groups in a friendly, informal setting.
Lynda Nikki and Lee will represent Tralee Boxing Club on Sunday, showcasing some of the boxing highlights of our club as well as the fantastic inclusive programmes we run to promote diversity and inclusion in our community.
Feel like giving back to our community and making a difference in people’s lives right now? Ghandi said, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” Come along on Sunday if you ‘ve had enough of waiting for others to lead the charge.
CAHERSIVEEN has been recognised as a Gaeltacht Service Town by Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Patrick O’Donovan and €560,000 fund approved for the town.
While visiting the town today, the Minister announced that the Cathair Saidhbhín language plan has been approved under the language planning process.
This is the eighth town to be recognised as a Gaeltacht Service Town under the language planning process and the 37th plan in total that has been approved under the process that began nine years ago.
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Seven Gaeltacht Service Towns have been approved under the process to date – Tralee, Daingean Uí Chúis, Letterkenny, Galway City, An Clochán Liath, Castlebar and Dungarvan.
To support the implementation of the plan, Minister of State O’Donovan announced that a fund of up to €80,000 per year for a period of seven years will be available – which will enable the promoters of the plan to employ a Language Planning Officer to co-ordinate its implementation.
Minister of State O’Donovan said: “I would like to congratulate Kerry County Council who have taken on the role of lead organisation in collaboration with interested parties locally. I also congratulate all who were involved in putting together the language plan for the town. As with all the other plans approved to date, the town’s community will now be afforded opportunities to promote the Irish language locally. The approval of this plan will support the implementation of the language planning process in Cathair Saidhbhín and the Kerry Gaeltacht as a whole.”
Kevin Egan reports on the Lidl All Ireland Post Primary School Senior B Championship Final played this afternoon…
Convent of Mercy, Roscommon 2-11
Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee 2-6
A powerful final quarter surge was enough to secure the Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary School Senior B title for Convent of Mercy from Roscommon, with goals from Siofra Hession and Aisling Hanly the crucial scores at Éire Óg GAA club in Nenagh.
It’s a first All-Ireland crown for the Roscommon school since they secured their first national title since winning the Senior A crown back in 2009.
The wind-assisted Mercy Mounthawk girls got out to a flying start when good work from Róisín Rahilly set up Katie Nix on the corner of the large square and the Kerins O’Rahillys attacker didn’t waste her chance, rifling a clinical shot to the bottom corner of the Convent of Mercy net.
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The Connacht champions settled well into the game from there and seemed to offer a much more varied threat up front.
County senior star and team captain Aisling Hanly was flagged as the main threat and she did land some good points, but Mercy Mounthawk couldn’t afford to expend too much defensive energy on the Kilbride player as Ciara Dowd, Niamh Walsh and Shauna Walsh chipped over good points from play in the opening half to help them get to half-time all square at 0-6 to 1-3.
Rahilly and Grace Reidy worked hard in the middle third to win some good turnover ball and when Mercy Mounthawk carried the ball straight through the Convent of Mercy defence, they posed a threat, but excellent defensive work from Lilly and Hannah Murray, as well as an excellent performance from Erin McDermott ensured that the Tralee school never built up any significant scoring momentum.
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Seven second half wides from Mercy Mounthawk illustrated the difficulty in shooting into the wind, but it still took time for Convent of Mercy to take control of the game, and going into the final quarter, it was still very tightly poised at 0-8 to 1-4.
The game was blown wide open in the space of two minutes however when Siofra Hession and Lilly Murray kicked points either side of a superb goal from Hession, blasted into the roof of the net after some slick handpassing and great pace down the left flank cut open the Mercy Mounthawk defence.
Convent of Mercy continued in the ascendancy and moved nine points clear when Hanly burst through the cover and cleverly rolled the ball underneath Kelly Fitzgerald, who had made some fine saves in the Mercy Mounthawk goal up to that point, but they had to endure some sticky moments at the end after yellow cards for Hession and Aisling Shanagher left them short-handed in the closing minutes.
With pressure mounting, Róisín Rahilly won a late penalty that Holly O’Brien converted, but outside of that, Convent of Mercy held their discipline to see their way through four minutes of stoppage time.
SCORERS:
Convent of Mercy: A Hanly 1-2, S Hession 1-1, N Walsh 0-3 (0-1f), C Dowd 0-3 (0-1f), S Walsh 0-1, L Murray 0-1.
Mercy Mounthawk: L Slattery 0-4 (0-2f), K Nix 1-0, H O’Brien 1-0 pen, A O’Connor McCarthy 0-1. R Rahilly 0-1f.
CONVENT OF MERCY: É Dowd; M Lohan, E McDermott, E McNeill; H Murray, L Murray, A Hussey; A Shanagher, E Biesty; E Tully, N Walsh, S Walsh; S Hession, A Hanly, C Dowd. Subs: Z Fallon for Biesty (45), J Morris for S Walsh (56), M Rogers for McNeill (57), A Mulry for H Murray (59), MA Feeley for Tully (60).
MERCY MOUNTHAWK: K Fitzgerald; R O’Donnell, É O’Connor, L Reilly; O McKenna, G Reidy, K Coffey; N Quinn, C Gannon; R Rahilly, H O’Brien, K Enright; K Nix, L Slattery, A O’Connor McCarthy. Sub: E Costello for Enright (40).
MINISTER of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD, has announced €419,988 in funding for Kerry Airport under the Regional Airports Programme.
The Minister announced €17million to support capital projects at Regional Airports around the country this morning.
This latest tranche of capital funding will specifically provide for enhanced maintenance work for the runway and green energy generation at Kerry Airport.
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Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Education and Kerry T.D Norma Foley said: “I welcome confirmation of this funding from my Cabinet colleague Minister Chambers which will provide significant upgrade works for Kerry Airport including remedial runway maintenance, aircraft de-icing vehicles and green energy generation.
“This vital funding will further enhance the services and facilities available at Kerry Airport and will ensure it continues to play a pivotal role in the connectivity of the entire south west region.”
AS the well-earned Easter break approaches, students from the MTU Kerry campus decided to let their hair down early by getting all dressed up last night for the Nursing and Agricultural Studies Students Ball.
Taking place in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, the students looked very stylish at the annual event which returned last year after a COVID-enforced hiatus.
Over 250 students enjoyed a four course meal followed by entertainment from ‘Hell For Leather’ and DJ Ray Stack. We were there to capture the glamour as they arrived at the hotel for the ball…
THERE was great excitement backstage at Siamsa Tíre last night as the cast of Frozen Jr. prepared for curtain up.
Presented by Shannon Star Entertainment Ltd in association with Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts, Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical (which itself was based on the blockbuster Disney movie) and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage.
Adapted for young performers, the musical is having one of its Irish premieres at Siamsa Tire and features favourite Frozen songs such as ‘Love Is an Open Door’, ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’, and ‘Let It Go’ and more during the one-hour production.
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The young cast from the Tralee area and beyond have been preparing for months for the show and they didn’t disappoint audiences at the first performance of a three night run.
While Friday night’s show is completely sold out, there’s still a handful of tickets available for Thursday’s performance at 7.30pm so click here or call 066-7123055 for tickets. Scroll down for photos…
THE Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) in conjunction with the running group known as the Glanageenty Loopers, were delighted to present a cheque of €4,000 to the Ballymac/Glanageenty Walkways Committee.
The cheque presentation took place at the Half-way Bar in Ballymac on Monday. This money was raised from the recent Glanageenty Trail Races in December 2022 and February 2023.
The funds will be used for the continuing improvements and maintenance of the Glanageenty Walkways which is a beautiful amenity, there for everyone to enjoy.
Orbitus Senior Tax consultant Tommy Walsh visited the Fenit Samphires Academy to learn more about the role of volunteer coaches in community sports clubs…
ORBITUS and the Fenit Samphires soccer club Academy have recently wrapped up a successful inaugural sponsorship season which saw the Munster based legal, tax and commercial firm take on the role of Academy jersey sponsor.
Located during the winter months at the Ardfert Community Centre, Fenit Samphires Academy caters for both girls and boys from ages six through nine.
For the 2022/23 season participation numbers increased dramatically to over 180 kids participating in weekly soccer matches and training sessions, supported by a dedicated team of volunteer coaches and parents.
Orbitus Senior Tax Consultant and Kerry GAA All Star Tommy Walsh recently visited the kids and coaches of Fenit Samphires Academy to get a better understanding of the value that sports organisations such as Fenit Samphires bring to communities across Ireland and the important role that volunteer coaches play in the development of the young players.
“We were delighted to get an opportunity to support the Academy programme at Fenit Samphires” said Tommy.
“These clubs and their volunteer coaches play such a vital role in the development of kids in our communities throughout the country, particularly during these formative years of the young players”. “Huge congratulations to the coaches, volunteers, parents and kids on a great year.”
Dave Stanton, Chairman of Fenit Samphires, also acknowledged the growth of participation for the academy programme this year. “It’s great to see the kids arriving to training in such big numbers” said Dave.“This year we were delighted to bring in Orbitus as a new sponsor and their investment in new kit and training gear gave the kids a big lift.” added Dave.
• Orbitus is a multidisciplinary firm of legal, tax and finance professionals who provide clients with a holistic suite of advisory services from offices in Cork and Tralee, Co.Kerry.
THE Think Before You Flush team were present to meet Tidy Towns volunteers from groups in Kerry at the Ballygarry Hotel last week for their annual Tidy Towns seminar.
The Think Before You Flush campaign is a public awareness campaign run by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann. The main message of the campaign is simple, only flush the 3Ps -pee, poo and paper – throw all other waste in the bin.
The Think Before You Flush team had an information stand at the event to highlight the work undertaken and planned in Kerry with the attendees.
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Killarney and Tralee are two of the regional locations the campaign will focus on for 2023. The conversations centred around sewage related litter in local towns and beaches and the responsibility we all have in our homes to help keep our waterways litter free.
The team also talked about the issue of pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink.
These FOGs can then combine other sewage related litter to form fatbergs. Uisce Éireann clears approximately 200 blockages the wastewater network every week.
Flushing unsuitable items down the toilet can result in blockages and the possibility of sewage related litter, such as wipes, cotton buds, hair and dental floss, ending up in our waterways and on our beautiful beaches, of which Kerry boasts many. This litter can impact the marine life that inhabits the waterways.
Speaking about the Think Before You Flush campaign, Margaret Attridge, Uisce Éireann said: “We know from our research that attitudes and flushing behaviours are changing for the better but there is still work to do. Almost a million people nationally are still using the toilet as a bin; this includes more than 30,000 in Kerry. We are asking people to always Think Before You Flush and take a simple action such as putting a bin in the bathroom. Working with community groups such as Tidy Towns is a powerful way to spread this message. Similar to Tidy Towns, Uisce Éireann is focused on improving the local environment for the benefit of all.”
Elaine from Clean Coasts spoke about the event. “I have great respect for the work the Tidy Towns groups do all around the country, so I was delighted to attend the seminar in Tralee last week. The room was full of energy and experience. There is such power in community and these groups are excellent at spreading messages that will resonate with their communities for the betterment of those living there. It is always wonderful to attend local events to speak about our work, this is where real change can occur.”
TWO Tralee sisters are holding an Easter Camp fundraiser so that they can help children in Africa this summer.
Kate and Claire Crowley from Mounthawk are 3rd Year Primary School student teachers in Mary Immaculate College and will travel to teach in Uganda this June.
The youngest daughters of Susan Quirke-Crowley and John Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School & Busy Bees Nursery, the ladies must raise €2500 each as part of this volunteer programme.
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“As part of our 3rd Year college teaching placement, we will be volunteering as teachers in Africa, for three weeks to help children in Uganda,” said Kate.
“To raise funds, we are hosting an Easter Camp for primary school children at Mounthawk Montessori from April 3 to April 6, from 8.30am to 1.30pm. The fee per child is €95 for the week. The Easter Outdoor Creative Craft & Drama Camp is suitable for children over 5 years old, with lots of fun and games guaranteed.”
“All money raised will be given to Nurture Africa, the organisation which we will be travelling with,” said the girls.
“This will go towards the schools and the locality in Uganda. While there, we will be volunteering as teachers, helping the roll out of first aid courses and supporting the locals to become more sustainable through the use of their local resources.”
TRALEE’S annual Good Friday Pageant will be performed in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Castle Street, at 3pm.
The pageant is part of the traditional Good Friday ceremony and will be staged by the St John the Baptist Parish Liturgy Drama Group. The presentation was first performed in St John’s 21 years ago.
Over 40 actors from the two Tralee parishes, as well as from nearby parishes, make up the Group. People of various ages have been enthusiastically rehearsing over the last month and they’ll be supported by the St John the Baptist Parish Choir under the direction of Michael O’Shea.
MTU will welcome over 150 children to the North Campus in Tralee as it hosts a Teddy Bear Hospital on Saturday, April 22.
The event is being organised by students and staff from MTU and RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), along with charity partner BUMBLEance, the world’s first ambulance service specifically designed and tailored for children.
The aim of the event is to ease the stress and tension that a child feels when attending a hospital or when seeing a doctor, as well as finding out more about what doctors, nurses and healthcare specialists and professionals do as part of their jobs.
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RCSI, MTU and Castel Education (Cambridge Education Group – CEG) deliver the International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programme (IMCP/IPCP) at the North Campus in Tralee.
Using the cuddly teddy bears, MTU and RCSI medical, healthcare, and science students, and staff will show children what happens in a hospital, who works there and how the ‘Teddy Doctor’ helps the sick teddy to feel better.
They will also explain the whole process of being in a hospital from start to finish using the teddy bears. Children will bring their teddy bears and cuddly toys with them to help ease that process.
The experience will start with students from the International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programme (IMCP/IPCP) and BSc in General Nursing admitting the sick teddy to hospital, then explaining stations such as triage, blood analysis, x-ray/MRI, bandaging, and surgery.
Students from the BSc in Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences will advise children and teddy on how to improve their nutrition and explain the benefits of exercise.
This is a free event that will run from 10am to 4pm with two sessions. A morning session from 10am to 12 noon and an afternoon session from 2pm to 4pm.
Places are limited and early booking is advised through https://www.eventbrite.com/e/598393931357. Please reserve one ticket per child. The event is suitable for children up to 10 years. Those attending are asked to donate to BUMBLEance when booking or at the event.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Fiona O’Flynn, Head of Department, International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programmes at MTU said: “We are delighted to host this very fun and interactive event. Our aim is to help children feel comfortable when interacting with healthcare professionals. It’s a particularly meaningful day for children who have regular hospital appointments. The event will also introduce children to what healthcare professionals do and may spark an interest as a future career.”
Dr Orlaith Brennan, Medical Physics Lecturer at RCSI said, “the day gives children an opportunity to test treatments out on their teddy bears in a relaxed setting which could reduce any anxiety they may feel about having similar treatments themselves in future. Children will get hands on experience using stethoscopes and bandages, and can also see how X-ray machines work, along with taking home a prescription for teddy. Thanks to our charity partner, BUMBLEance, children will also get to see inside a real ambulance on the day and learn more about what services they provide.”
THE Tralee Chamber President has welcomed this weekend’s Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally saying it will provide a great boost to the town.
The 44th edition of the Kerry Motor Club event rolls into Tralee from Friday with over 150 drivers from all over Ireland, Britain and even as far afield as Australia tackling the nine-stage event which has its headquarters at The Rose Hotel.
“The benefits of such an event are enormous to the local economy and a most welcome boost to local businesses as we enter the start of our tourist season,” said Tralee Chamber Alliance President Nathan McDonnell.
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“Events like this are a vital part of our town’s vibrancy and vitality and bring such a carnival atmosphere to the region. The benefits are not just a boost to the local economy but also a boost to our tourism offering and of course to motorsport in general,” he added.
The Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally gets underway on Friday night with an overseas competitor reception at rally headquarters.
There will be a static display of rally cars in Tralee Town centre on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm in association with Tralee Quick Fit and Tralee Chamber Alliance.
The nine-stage rally takes place in the general Cordal and Knocknagoshel area on Sunday with the crew re-visiting the service park in the Rose Hotel three times during the day.
Kerry Rose Édaein O’Connell will present the winning drivers with their laurels after Sunday’s Rally as the winning drivers are expected at the Rose Hotel just after 4 30 pm on Sunday evening.
“I am delighted to be attending the prize-giving ceremony for the Circuit of Kerry Rally,” said Édaein. “These events are not only enjoyable, but they are vital for the community at large and create a sense of excitement throughout the county,” she said.
“As I near the end of my tenure as the Kerry Rose, I am treasuring any and every event where I can meet locals and be involved.”
TRALEE Educate Together is marking 20 years as a school this year and as part of their celebrations they planted 200 native trees at Tralee Bay Wetlands yesterday with LEAF Ireland.
The school was delighted when LEAF Ireland approached them and asked if they would be interested in planting a choill bheag (little woodland) on the grounds of Tralee Bay Wetlands.
An Choill Bheag is an initiative of LEAF Ireland and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. This An Choill Bheag project is being supported and funded by Tralee Bay Wetlands.
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During National Tree Week, the senior classes visited the Wetlands with staff from LEAF Ireland. Students got to know the soil and the biodiversity at the Wetlands and learned about how important both are when it comes to healthy ecosystems.
The students returned on Tuesday and planted 200 native trees of mixed variety, suitable to the soil type. As it is a wetland, alder, willow and birch were the predominant species selected for planting, along with a mix of other native species.
The after care of the trees was also discussed with the students. Over time, as the woodland matures it will become a treasure trove of biodiversity, a place where the students can return and explore with their families and friends.
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Rachel Geary of LEAF Ireland said: “Planting and caring for our trees is vital, they give us so much. They purify our water, they clean our air, they capture and store carbon and can therefore help fight climate change, they provide food and medicines, and improve our well-being.”
It is hoped that over the years, other local schools will benefit from this new woodland at the Wetlands and will come and learn how to care for these special habitats.
Mary O’Connor of Tralee Bay Wetlands said: “It has been a pleasure to work with LEAF Ireland on this brilliant An Choill Bheag initiative. We hope that all our visitors will enjoy watching this little woodland grow and change through the seasons and that we can use this biodiverse, living classroom as part of our education programmes and our Guided tours.”
Rachel Geary from LEAF Ireland (EEU) said: “We were absolutely delighted to collaborate with Tralee Bay Wetlands, Kerry County Council and TETNS on this wonderful project. It is now important than ever that we protect and restore our habitats, but it is also critical that we educate both adults and students about the importance of these habitats, and ensure they have the skills to protect and maintain them after we have completed the projects.”
Mary Brosnan Principal of Tralee Educate Together said: “We are delighted to be part of this Choill Bheag project. Outdoor Learning is a feature of our school, and this wonderful tree planting project is the perfect way for us to mark our 20th Anniversary. The planting and conservation of trees motivates the children to protect nature while also leaving a lasting environmental legacy. Thanks to LEAF Ireland for planning and coordinating this special project.”
Well done to all our swimmers who represented their primary & secondary schools so well at the annual Schools Championships in the NAC, Dublin over the weekend.
On Saturday , many of our younger swimmers participated in the Minor Schools Championship with many achieving PBs and finals. A great experience for all, well done!
On Sunday it was the turn of our Senior Swimmers, Liam O’Connor & Maire O’Sullivan-selected as part of the Munster Team- to compete in the Interpro Schools Championships in both individual & relay events. Congrats to both on some fantastic performances with a special mention to Liam winning the 100m free event for Munster , breaking the1 minute for the first time! A great day of racing saw Munster taking 3rd position, behind Leister (1st) & Ulster (2nd).
(2) Munster Aspiring Gala Meet 2
The second meet of the Aspiring Gala took place also last Saturday on a busy weekend for Kingdom Swimmers. Well done to all our swimmers with many achieving PBs & national qualification times. Thanks to Head Coach John Edwards for his support on the day, team managers Rose Quilter, Antoinette Boyd ,officials,top table and team of volunteers
(3) Mona McSharry to visit Kingdom Swimming Club
We are delighted to confirm Irish Olympic Swimmer Mona McSharry will be visiting our Club Tuesday May 2nd and will hold a Breaststroke Clinic for our swimmers .Further details will be circulated to members closer to the date .
(4) Trials for New Swimmers
Many thanks to all swimmers who attended our trials for new members last Friday. We look forward to welcoming the successful swimmers to our club ! Many thanks to our coaches for their time on the day.
(5) Kingdom Invitational Gala
We were delighted to officially launch their annual Kingdom Invitational Gala in Tralee Sports & Leisure Complex this week .
A highly anticipated Gala on the Swim Circuit , the club looks forward to welcoming clubs from all over Munster & Connacht ,to the home of Kingdom Swimming April 22nd & 23rd .
The event is also one of the main fundraising events in the year , raising much needed funds to further develop and grow the club to compete on a regional & national level .
We are hugely grateful to the local community & businesses for their continued support & sponsorship of our event . Looking forward to sharing more updates closer to the event.
(6) Irish Open Swimming Championships
Best of luck to our three swimmers- Rory Boyd, Cian Mason & Liam O’Connor, who will participate in the forthcoming Irish Open. The five day event kicks off this Saturday with all three swimmers keeping the Kingdom Flag flying across a number of events.
(7) Nutrition Talk
The club has invited Melissa Costello, Senior Dietitian , to give a Nutrition talk to our swimmers this Friday at 7pm . As our swimmers prepare for upcoming Galas , the talk will be extremely beneficial with particular emphasis on nutrition before and after training as well as pre and post galas. Many thanks in advance to Melissa.
KERRY College Clash Campus was a hive of activity on Monday for the annual Recruitment Fair.
There was an amazing turnout from employers across a broad spectrum of industries. The event, organised by Helen Brick of Kerry College, helps connect the Level 5 and Level 6 students — who are about to become graduates shortly — with leading national and global employers.
“However, the benefits of attending for the student went well beyond clinching an interview,” said Mary Murphy of Kerry College. “The information and advice that students received from employers and recruitment agencies will be taken with them as they set forth into the world of work.”
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There were numerous organisations present including The Gleneagle Hotel, Bluebird Care and FRS Recruitment all seeking to recruit fresh up-to-the-minute skilled graduates.
Other opportunities were also presented as Kerry College students met representatives from the HOPE Foundation who were eager to recruit volunteers for overseas projects in Kolkata.
“It was also nice to see how a year can make such a positive difference in the lives of our graduates,” said Mary.
“One of last year’s Kerry College graduates, Joanna Kelly, was at the other side of the table this year. Joanna qualified from the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course last year and instantly secured employment with Bluebird Care. Yesterday Joanna was on the Bluebird Care Recruitment Stand looking to recruit from the college that trained her,” she said.
Joanna stated; “It feels surreal, I never thought I would be at Kerry College a year later helping to recruit staff. I am so happy that I am working with people who value my skills and where I can make a difference to people’s lives every day. For me choosing a course at Kerry College was a fantastic decision and I would urge others to really give it some serious thought. It’s on a day like this that you know it has all paid off.”
Kerry College would like to thank all employers and organisations who came to the Recruitment Fair.
“We have very strong links with industry built up over the years and this was a mutually beneficial event. Events like this really motivate students as they face their final exams in May as they know their skillsets are in demand,” said Mary.
THREE Kerry heritage projects are to receive over €270,000 between them under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, today announced that 95 Heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of €4.5 million under this year’s HSF.
The three Kerry projects to receive funding are Knockreer House and Gardens, Killarney €200,000 where funding will aid towards repair and renovation of the structure to allow it to be used a visitor centre to showcase the lakes.
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Eask Tower, Cahroo Hill, West Dingle will receive €33,000. Eask Tower is a deteriorating structure in urgent need of repair and stabilisation. Funding will restore and build resilience into structure using conservation industry resources.
Molahiffe House, Castlefarm, Firies will receive €37,500 for full structural repair of roof internally and externally, to repair defects to masonry fabric, rainwater goods to be replaced, replacement of PVC windows with original sash windows and repair of existing sash windows.
Minister for Education and Kerry T.D Norma Foley welcomed the news saying; “This funding provides vital assistance for the maintenance and upkeep of sites of significant historical importance in Kerry and I welcome this confirmation from Minister Malcom Noonan.”
THE 11th annual County Clean Up will take place across the county on Saturday, April 15 and a call is going out to all community and voluntary organisations and individuals to get involved.
The County Clean-Up takes place with the support of KWD Recycling and Kerry County Council. Over the past decade, hundreds of tonnes of rubbish have been collected along Kerry roads by thousands of volunteers.
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn urged everyone to participate in what is now one of the annual community initiatives in Kerry.
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“The tremendous effort of volunteers over the past decade has contributed to the campaign to keep the county litter-free. Registration is now open at www.countycleanup.com and I hope that local communities will participate in large numbers,” he said.
Noel O’Reilly from KWD said: ‘KWD Recycling is proud to be involved in the County Clean Up which is now in its 11th year. It is a very important day that has made a huge difference on the roads of Kerry and west Cork.’
Environmental Awareness Officer at Kerry County Council, Breda Moriarty said: ‘The amazing and diligent work of many community groups and individuals for the County Clean Up is admirable. Everyone coming together to keep Kerry clean and our roads litter free for an 11th year is fantastic.’
Groups must register to ensure they receive a clean-up pack and to nominate a collection point for any litter collected.
THE annual Tony O’Donoghue Memorial Walk will take place on Saturday, April 15 and a fantastic day of entertainment is guaranteed.
The ninth annual walk is in memory of the Tony from Blennerville who passed away in 2014 and tens of thousands of euro have been raised over the year in his name.
Beginning at 4pm from Blennerville windmill, walkers will head back the canal bank on to the lock gates, looping to Lohercannon and back to Skelper Quanes for a burger, music, a pint or a cuppa and some spot prizes.
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This year the funds raised will go towards buying games and a console for Donal’s Den at the Palliative Care Unit, a comfort chair that can be used in both the day unit and Inpatient Unit and two bluetooth speakers for the jacuzzi room and the gym in the units.
Spot prizes already gathered by the organiser, Tony’s daughter Andrea, include a signed Kerry jersey while Sam Maguire will also be present. There will also be music from 5pm to 7pm with David O’Leary and following that DJ Mick will spin some 80s tunes. Seamus O’Sullivan is also sponsoring burgers for walkers.
COINCIDING with the clocks springing forward, Kerry County Council is encouraging people of all ages to make the most of the increase in daylight hours and to start to clock up ‘Kingdom Kilometres’ on foot or by cycling along the county’s two new Greenways — the Tralee-Fenit and Listowel-Abbeyfeale routes.
Representatives of the tourism industry, local public representatives, travel writers and influencers gathered in Kerry on Monday to experience the exciting new tourist attractions and welcome the arrival of the longer daylight hours as the clocks change over to summertime.
Sarah Hanrahan, a social media influencer who posts about Irish travel inspiration and has more than 100,000 Instagram followers, described the experience: “Ireland has some of the most amazing outdoor spaces; for a lot of my followers and other people, connecting with green spaces has become much more important to their overall sense of wellbeing as well as their health and fitness.
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“It’s been really gorgeous to experience the Tralee to Fenit, and Listowel to Limerick Kingdom of Kerry Greenways; a fantastic trip sampling the warm hospitality of Kerry and a great reminder of the active holiday options that are right on our doorstep.”
The Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy and the Mayor of Listowel, Cllr Aoife Thornton, said that the greenways offer an exceptional recreational amenity for everyone to enjoy: “The greenways are situated in some of Kerry’s most scenic landscapes and offer spectacular and safe off-road facilities for people of all ages to enjoy as the landscape comes into bloom. They also offer warm hospitality at the trail head towns of each route.”
IRELAND’S most recognised personal trainer Karl Henry is coming to give a talk at CH Tralee tomorrow.
He will speak on the ‘4 Pillars Of Lifelong Health at the store on Thursday, April 13 at 12noon.
The leading fitness and wellness expert and Podcast host was announced as the newest face of Pharmaton one of Ireland’s leading Multi-Vitamin brands,
From TV screen stardom to bestselling author, no personal trainer in Ireland has a larger wheelhouse than Karl Henry.
For the past decade he has led the charge in changing the wellbeing and lifestyle of the Irish public through his columns, guides, and television cameos. Karl will be involved in promoting Pharmaton’s latest immunity supplement, Immuno10; built to boost immunity and help you get back to living better faster.
On his partnership, Karl Henry said: “I’m so excited to be working with Pharmaton. I’m a huge
advocate for multivitamins as a supplement to any fitness journey. Exercising and eating well is half the battle, but if your body isn’t getting the proper vitamins it needs then you have a much bigger problem. Vitamins are an essential part of living well and with Pharmaton, a single capsule gives you everything you need to get that extra boost in life.”
Tickets for Karl’s appearance at CH Tralee are available for €5 instore and online by clicking here and is redeemable against any Pharmaton purchase.
THE annual Roger Casement Gathering will take place in Lios Mhic Easmainn (McKennas’ Fort), Ardfert, at 12 noon on Good Friday, April 7.
This coming together is to remember and to honour Casement who arrived from Germany in a German submarine and landed on Banna Strand 107 years ago.
He was captured and brought to the RIC Barracks in Tralee and later taken to London where he was tried for treason, convicted and later executed by hanging at Pentonville Prison on 3rd of August 1916. Special speaker will be Dr Tim Horgan. All are welcome to attend.
KERRY Credit Unions are proud to announce the inaugural National Cultivate Week, a celebration of the credit unions’ commitment to the farming community.
Taking place from March 27th to April 2nd, National Cultivate Week will bring credit unions and their members together throughout the country to celebrate farmers and the contribution they make to our local communities. Cultivate have recently released the findings from a review of the 2022 loan applications showing a 33% year-on-year increase in the total loan amount applied for.
This figure highlights the strong demand for the Cultivate loan as farmers continue to invest in their business and manage significant working capital requirements as input costs soared.
The average loan amount applied for was for €31,541 over a 5.6-year period. 2022 saw 65% of Cultivate loans being given to beef farmers while dairy farmers accounted for 21%.
Cultivate is an initiative of a group of 46 Credit Unions, including Killarney Credit Union, Cara Credit Union and Listowel Credit Union that provide short to medium term loan support built specifically around the growing needs of credit union farming members.
Participating credit unions across the country are gearing up for National Cultivate Week with a host of exciting national as well as local events being planned.
One of the highlights of the week will be a virtual event, The Farming Outlook – Spring 2023, which will take place on Wednesday, March 29th, providing an opportunity for Cultivate credit union members and farmers to get an exclusive insight on the latest trends from experts within the agricultural industry including Breian Carroll (ACA), Philip O’Connor (ifac) and Adam Woods (Irish Farmers Journal).
More information about Cultivate week can be found on the Cultivate website (www.Cultivate-CU.ie).
Speaking on behalf of the Kerry Cultivate Credit Unions, Siobhan Donnelly highlighted: “We are thrilled to launch the first-ever National Cultivate Week, showcasing our commitment to supporting the growth and development of our local farming community.”
Siobhan added; “At Killarney, Cara and Listowel credit unions, we take pride in playing a part in the journey of our farming members. Our lending platform, Cultivate, provides short to medium term loans, enabling farmers to continue thriving within the industry. This weeklong celebration is a reflection of the strong bonds developed throughout the years between credit unions and the farming community.
“We can see by the growth in the loan amounts applied for in 2022 that Cultivate is perfectly suited to support the needs of our farming members.”
Thanks to Cultivate, farmers in County Kerry are able to benefit from the personalised service and local decision making offered by Killarney, Cara and Listowel Credit Unions.
As part of a Cultivate loan application, local farmers are given the opportunity to have open and supportive discussions with credit union staff who understand the agricultural industry.
Cultivate Credit Unions pride themselves on their ability to support local farmers on their journey towards sustainable enterprises while having a positive impact local economies.
Farmers who want to find out how to access a Cultivate loan are encouraged to call into their local credit union in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Cahersiveen, Killorglin, Kenmare, Ballybunion, Ballyduff and Causeway.
THE annual AGM of the Kerry Hospice Foundation took place last night with representatives from the branches all over the county present.
Officers were elected for the coming year. The fundraising commitee for 2023 is as follows: Chairperson Jack Shanahan; Vice Chairperson Jenny Tarrant; Secretary Mary Shanahan; Treasurer Eileen Sheehy; Vice Treasurer TBA; PRO Andrea O’Donoghue.
Others elected to the committee were Maura Sullivan (Tralee Branch) , Trish O Sullivan (Iveragh branch), Breda O’Callaghan (Spa/Fenit ); Julett Culloty (Killarney Branch); Evelyn Doody.
THE Paul Lucey ‘Run for the Rock’ is back again for the May Bank holiday weekend on Monday May 1.
This is the fifth year of the run which has grown in strength and popularity from year to year. The run and walk honours the memory of Paul Lucey, a proud Austin Stacks man who passed away in Dec 2017 and is a community celebration of family and fitness.
Paul was a member of the famous Stacks All Ireland Club Championship winning team of ’77 and trained many underage and senior teams down through the years notably the 1986 and 1994 Senior winning teams he coached to county success, as well as being involved with the Stacks ladies football team in later years.
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This year the run will be followed by a Family Fun Day for adults and children of the club and wider community.
The club is encouraging as many kids, teenagers, parents, grandparents, friends and family members to get outdoors on Monday May 1st to Run/Walk 5km promoting health and positivity within the club and community as mark the start of Summer.
The event will begin at the entrance to Austin Stacks’ Clubhouse at Connolly Park at 11am and take it’s traditional enjoyable route up Caherslee and down the Skinny Mile section of the Greenway.
Registration is via www.eventbrite.ie by searching Paul Lucey Run or register through Austin Stacks Facebook or twitter or on the morning of the event between 9am and 10.30am.