Daily Archives: December 21, 2023

News

€7.5m In Funding Announced For Munster Technological University

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MUNSTER Technological University will receive €7.5 million in new funding from the €50 million Technological Sector Advancement Fund, which has been set up to support existing functions and help initiate new activities in the country’s five Technological Universities.

The funding from the Technological Sector Advancement Fund can be used for a variety of purposes including  student support and success, data and systems, change management and integration.

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Minister Simon Harris said: “The Government has been to the fore in providing a range of funding supports – current and capital – to establish and develop our new technological universities and to support all institutions in the wider technological sector. I am delighted to announce further new funding today to ensure the TUs are embedded in their regions.”

Minister Norma Foley also welcomed the news saying; “The MTU provides first class education and opportunity for students in Kerry, the wider south west region and beyond. It is a university that is going from strength to strength, and I look forward to further development and initiatives to support the limitless ambition we have for the MTU.”

The first year disbursement will see funding of up to €30 million travelling to the institutions for projects commencing in January 2024.

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News, SCHOOLS

Gaelcholáiste Students Donate Christmas Boxes To St Vincent de Paul

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Gaelcholáíste Chiarraí TY students Siún Ní Chroinín, Kayla Ní Chonchúir, Daithi Ó Smollain, Rian Mc Lámh and Rebecca Ní Neachtáin with just a few of the many boxes donated by students to St Vincent de Paul for Christmas.

THE spirit of giving was truly in evidence at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí this week as the holidays approach.

The students, with the help of Irish teacher Elma Uí Shuilleabháin decided to celebrate the festive season by participating in the tradition of donating Christmas boxes to a local charity in Tralee.

‘’We would have a tradition in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí to donate to local charities during the Christmas period, this year we chose to donate to St. Vincent’s de Paul in Tralee,” said Irish teacher Elma Uí Shuilleabháin.

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“Christmas can be particularly challenging for individuals facing unexpected crises. St. Vincent de Paul carry out great work in the community helping those in need, offering financial support, and other resources to help people overcome immediate challenges,” added Ms Uí Shuilleabháín.

Over the last few weeks students started bringing in their boxes with the contents varying, from warm clothing to toiletries.

‘’It instills a sense of gratitude in students and staff and fosters a deeper appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas,” said Ms Uí Shuilleabháin.

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News

Down Syndrome Kerry Hosts Christmas Party To Celebrate Employment Programme

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Joe Burkett with the National Employment Programme members at the Christmas party.

DOWN Syndrome Ireland Kerry Branch marked the success of its national employment programme — celebrating the meaningful employment of over 20 members and seven securing jobs in 2023 alone — with a Christmas party.

Since April 2023, Joe Burkett, the Employment Support Specialist with Down Syndrome Ireland, Kerry Branch, has been working to promote inclusive employment opportunities for members with Down syndrome.

“We are thrilled to witness the remarkable strides our members have made in securing meaningful employment opportunities,” said Joe Burkett.

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“Inclusivity in the workplace is not just a goal; it’s a reality that benefits both employers and employees. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts in promoting inclusive employment practices and breaking down barriers,” he said.

To commemorate these achievements, on Tuesday, ten members gathered for a joyous Christmas works party at Yummy Cafe and Pizza Time.

“As we reflect on the successes of 2023, the Kerry Branch looks forward to further collaborations and partnerships that will empower more members with Down syndrome to thrive in the workplace,” said Operations Manager, Siobhan Walsh.

Down Syndrome Ireland, Kerry Branch, invites businesses interested in learning more about inclusive employment or engaging with the national employment programme to contact Joe Burkett, the Employment Support Specialist, at 0876824313 or via email at Joeburkett@downsyndrome.ie. Scroll down for photos…

Siobhan Looney and JP O’Brien at the Christmas party.
Siobhan Looney and Anne Marie Ladden at the Christmas party.
Mary Claire McCarthy and Siobhan Looney at the Christmas party.
Liam Purcell and Jessica Power at the Christmas party.
Jessica Power and Amy Lynch at the Christmas party.

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News, Sport

Goalkeeper Signs Up For Another Season With Kerry FC

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Aaron O’Sullivan. Photo by Adam Kowalczyk

KERRY Football Club have confirmed that goalkeeper Aaron O’Sullivan has re-signed for the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign.

Over the past number of days, the club has made a number of announcements of player re-signing for the upcoming season, while they also confirmed departures too. Yesterday they announced Arthur Nganou, Alex Ainscough, Leo Gaxha and Sean Kennedy had left the club.

Aaron O’Sullivan, who recently turned 20, was part of the 2023 set-up. He graduated from the Kerry FC Academy, where he played the previous 2 seasons in 2021 and 2022. Aaron originally played in goals for Killarney Athletic from a young age.

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O’Sullivan went on to line out for Kerry on six occasions and was on the bench for four games during the season. Aaron had a debut to remember for his home club, as he was in between the sticks for the kingdom’s first-ever win in the League of Ireland.

Speaking after re-signing for Kerry FC, O’Sullivan said; “I’m delighted to re-sign with Kerry FC ahead of the new season. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I am buzzing to get back playing again in front of the amazing fans in Mounthawk Park and to have a great season. I’m very excited to get back working with the management team, Del and Chris, the goalkeeper coaches.”

First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy said; “We’re delighted to have Aaron re-signed for 2024. Aaron played a key role in several games where we picked up points last season. He was very unlucky to pick up an injury towards the end of the season but hopefully this season he can stay injury-free and have a big impact on the group.”

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News

Kerry Association Of New York Presents $12,000 To Recovery Haven

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Tom O’Sullivan (seated centre) from the Kerry Association New York presents a cheque for $12,000 to Recovery Haven on Wednesday. Included are, front from left; Tim McSwiney and Gemma Fort. Back from left; Dermot Crowley, Michael Moynihan, Kathleen Collins and Marisa Reidy. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE Kerry Association of New York has announced €25,000 for three Kerry charities, proceeds from its recent annual golf fundraisers.

A representative from the Association was at Recovery Haven Kerry on Wednesday to present a cheque for $12,000.

The association of New York based Kerry and Kerry-New York Irish Americans had recently relaunched its golf outings in New York City for the first me since the pandemic in 2021 and has held several successful annual events since.

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The amounts raised included: $12,000 for Recovery Haven Kerry; $9,500 for Aware Mental Health’s outreach programmes in Kerry; $2,000 for Comfort for Chemo Kerry and $2,500 for the Sullivan Bridgeman Hardship Fund (administered by the Kerry Association).

The Kerry Association NY also announced that over the last 10 years over $400,000 has been donated to external charities and worthy causes in addition to other dedicated fundraisers including $120,000 for the Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence.

Treasurer Tom O’Sullivan from Kilgarvan said; “I’m delighted to be back in Kerry on behalf of the association meeting with some of our beneficiaries from this year’s fundraisers and to announce over €25,000 from our last three fundraisers.

“The focus of the Kerry Association is keeping Kerry people together and our focus has always been on benefitting those from Kerry, back in Kerry and representing the county abroad. It’s another great reason for people to join the Kerry Association in addition to our exciting events and networking events in New York City”.

The Kerry Association New York is a social welfare organisation that has the aim for Keeping Kerry People Together.

From its cultural centre, the Kerry Hall at McLean Avenue in New York, it hosts numerous meetings, social events, dancing, card games, events for the elderly as well as networking and other social events in Manhattan in New York City.

The 2024 Annual Dinner Dance is talking place on Friday 22nd March 2024 – more information on on how to get in touch with the Association is available online at www.nykerry.org

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News

Fenit-Based Choir Raises Funds For Kerry Mental Health Association

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General Manger of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, accepts a cheque from Noelle Barrett of the Vocaleze Choir who performed a fundraising concert at the weekend. Also included are choir members Marie Hill, Sharon Hayes, Niamh O’Donnell, Vivienne O’Sullivan, Barbara Reen, Clodagh O’Dowd, Siobhan Rivas May and Daireen McMullin Browne. Photo by Dermot Crean

A LOCAL choir has made a donation to the Kerry Mental Health Association (KMHA) after a fundraising concert in Fenit at the weekend.

Noelle Barrett set up the Vocaleze Choir in Fenit back in 2022 to help with mental health and wellbeing and it currently has around 30 members, the only criteria for joining being an enjoyment of singing.

The choir, made up of members from all over Tralee and north Kerry, decided to do a recital in Fenit Parish Hall last weekend to raise funds for the KMHA and €634 was collected thanks to the donations of people attending.

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Noelle works for the IRFU Charitable Trust with injured players and says singing is good for their mental health. She also worked on the Youth Theatre Programme in Tralee with people from Inspired and the Skills For Life programme.

The choir meets every Wednesday night from 8pm to 9.30pm in Fenit Parish Hall.  The choir is looking for new members, both male and female, so to join, contact Noelle on 086-3200739.

The General Manger of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, was appreciative of the efforts.

“Congratulations to Noelle and the Vocaleze Choir on giving their first performance last weekend. We were delighted to be chosen as the charity for the recital and thank you to everyone who made a donation.”

“In the run up to Christmas, Kerry Mental Health Association, through its volunteer branches and in cooperation with the HSE community mental health team, has given over €5000 in vouchers to people throughout the county with mental health challenges. Please remember to reach out to family and friends if you are having any difficulty with your mental health over the Christmas and New Year period,” added John.

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Business/Property, News

JRI America Staff Help Bring Joy To Children This Christmas

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Junior Locke (front left) of SVP comes to collect the toys bought thanks to the generosity of the staff at JRI America. Included in front is JRI America Inc. Ireland Country Head Shane Walsh and at back; Rachel O’Sullivan, Michelle Hegarty, Sergey Udaltsov, Richard Kiely and Vicky Coates at JRI America in Kerry Technology Park on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE good folks at JRI America showed their generosity once again this Christmas with a donation of thousands of euro worth of toys 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 eight years.

St Vincent De Paul members visit houses and ask what a child would like from Santa. Then they write that down on a tag, which is put on the tree in JRI America’s offices in Tralee and staff pick up a tag and buy the toy requested.

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“This is a fantastic donation and an important one to help us make sure that Santa gets to every house in the county,” said Junior Locke of St Vincent De Paul, who came to collect the huge volume of toys recently.

“JRI America has been a tremendous support to us over the years and we can’t thank them enough for it,” added Junior.

Shane Walsh, JRI America Inc. Ireland Country Head, Shane Walsh, said all the staff in Tralee were delighted to contribute to such a worthy cause.

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News, SCHOOLS

Nineteen Kerry Schools To Share €160,000 In STEM Grants

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Minister Norma Foley.

MINISTER for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley has announced that 19 Kerry schools have been awarded more than €160,000 in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grants.

The successful projects include a focus on coding, robotics, growing plants without soil, modules on AI, interpreting weather patterns, film and animation, student STEM Clubs and Community-Based Science Fairs.

Schools to receive the grant in Kerry include Flemby NS, Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn, CBS Primary School and Tralee Educate Together (see full list below).

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Minister Foley welcomed the fact that 19 Kerry schools had successfully qualified for STEM grants of up to €10,000 each.

“I recognise the pivotal role that Science Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and the Arts play in fostering the skills that our students need for success in various aspects of life. The STEM grant scheme aims to empower schools to provide the high-quality STEM education required for all their students.”

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