IT was a memorable evening for four of Kerry’s talented concertina players — including a girl from Tralee — who played in a high profile concert in Glór Theatre, Ennis last Saturday night.
Last September, Aoife Hobbert (Tralee), Grace Heffernan (Asdee), Louise Kimmage (Faha) and Mary Walsh (Listowel), successfully auditioned to be part of the Irish Concertina Orchestra for 2023/24, featuring 40 of Ireland’s best young concertina players.
The programme was most ambitious where they had the opportunity to learn from many esteemed musicians as well as world famous Riverdance composer, Bill Whelan, the band Notify and Cormac McCarthy, who is one of the most in demand pianists, composers and arrangers in Ireland.
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This special concert was the brainchild of renowned concertina virtuoso, Padraig Rynne. The evening featured a number of pieces which they had been working on over the past seven months.
The Irish Concertina Orchestra was accompanied on Saturday night by NOTIFY, Music Generation Clare Concert Orchestra, arranged and conducted by Cormac McCarthy and the Concert’s repertoire featured a newly composed and specially commissioned piece of music by special guest Bill Whelan.
GARDAI are investigating a two-vehicle road traffic collision near Killarney on Tuesday.
The collision occurred on the N22 at Knockeenduff at approximately 7:50am and involved two cars. The driver of one vehicle, a male in his 50s, was transferred by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.
The driver of the other vehicle was taken to University Hospital Kerry to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators. The road has since reopened.
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Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N22 at Knockeenduff between 7:30am and 8:15am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
A ONE-DAY programme of events will take place in Fenit on Thursday to celebrate St Brendan.
Tomorrow is the centrepiece of the St Brendan the Navigator Festival which has been happening all over Kerry these past days and weeks.
The day will start with a 5.30am Sunrise Gathering at Locke’s Beach in Fenit and will be followed by a Dawn Service for Health and Wellbeing with Father Francis at 6am.
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Later in the morning, there will be a Fitness Session with George at the beach. There will be a Mass at St Brendan’s Church in Fenit at 10am led by the students of St. Brendan’s National School. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a Treasure Hunt with Mary and Claudia from the Playground at 11am
The Official launch of the St Brendan Audio Guide by John Griffin will take place at St Brendan’s Statue at 12noon.
An ‘Art Session with Amanda’ is scheduled for Locke’s Beach at 6pm, and the day winds down with a Procession of Lights and Flags that will lead the way to St. Brendan’s Statue to mark the “Keeper of the Flame” event.
The day then concludes with the St Brendan Perpetual Trophy Sailing Race at 7.30pm, with music and the presentation of the trophy taking place at the West End in Fenit.
Mary Lucey of Career Ahead has some advice for pupils and their parents for the transition from primary to secondary school life…
I deal with many school students who encounter a variety of problems both with the initial transition into secondary school and during their first academic year.
I feel many of these problems can be averted or avoided by introducing some simple steps or following practical advice even at this stage of sixth class.
New Opportunity
Many students (and parents) are terrified at the prospective of transitioning to secondary school. Be positive about the move. Encourage your child to see it as a new opportunity.
An opportunity to study lots of new subjects that they will really like and enjoy. They will have access to specialised dedicated rooms and equipment, ie kitchens, science labs, woodwork rooms, computer labs, music rooms, etc
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They will meet new people and potentially make great friends. They can play a variety of sports in and after school. They can join clubs and lunchtime groups that will cater for their specific interests ie musical, drama, science, film etc.
If there isn’t a club, they can propose to the school that they will set one up. They will undoubtedly have questions and concerns, so discuss these openly and honestly, not over-emphasising the impending change as this will only cause stress.
Practical Preparation
Visit the school, initially when it is not packed with students, after school hours perhaps. Then again, on a busier day. Arrange for your child to go with another friend who is starting secondary school on the day too.
Take a walk around, allow your child to establish where their base classroom is, what other rooms do they need to know, where is the principal’s office, where do they go if there is a problem, where they eat their lunch, how to locate the first-year lockers.
Transport can be daunting for a first year if they are getting a bus, so locate where buses are parked.
It is important to remember there might possibly 30 buses waiting outside a secondary school – so put a plan in place that enables them to locate the correct bus and a plan in place in case they ever end up in the wrong location after school!
Bullying
The prospect of bullying is a serious concern for many parents. Research has indicated that students with a high level of confidence/self-esteem are less likely to be bullied in school.
Encourage your child to be comfortable in their own skin and to adhere to their own values. Explain the difference between banter and bullying. Bullying is defined as repetitive, intentional hurting of someone.
For the remainder of 6th class, give them control over their homework and organising themselves for school each day.
Over the summer holidays, ensure they engage in activities they are good at, encourage them to assert themselves, even in small ways, ie ordering food in a restaurant, asking questions themselves in shops about prices/stocks, speaking on the phone rather than just texting, giving them a small budget to manage on a weekly basis etc. All these actions will lead to more confidence/self-esteem.
Making Friends
Lots of parents worry their child will find it difficult to make new friends and if new friends will have a bad influence on their child.
If they are very outgoing this will come easy to them. If they are very shy and it is a genuine concern, establish other students who are starting in first year and discreetly arrange some meet ups before the school year commences.
Also, you can ask students in senior classes that you may be aware of to keep an eye on your son/daughter. Encourage your child to try and be-friend just one or two people initially.
Re-assure your child that expanding their circle of friends is a gradual process. Encourage signing up for some out-of-school activities – these are a great way to make friends with similar interests.
Again, the confidence/self-esteem of a child will determine how much negative influence another child may have on them.
Revision
Many students struggle with the increased workload in secondary school. Students often complete homework but the concept of “study” in addition to homework is completely new to a first-year student.
Encourage them for the remainder of the year to make a study plan and stick to it. Introduce the concept of revision and what it means.
This can be expanded upon with the move to secondary school which will enable them to they stay on top of their new secondary school subjects.
Information
Review school documentation/website/social media together, these will outline rules, regulations, expectations, and ethos of the school.
The child will have a clearer picture of what is expected of them and what actions to take when faced with a new situation in secondary school.
Questions
Remember school is for learning and nobody expects students to know everything. Remind them they can ask as many questions as they like when they start in their new school.
Finally, students will be anxious initially and that is to be expected. Being well prepared will reduce the level of anxiety.
Remind your child that all the other students feel the same, irrespective of how confident they may manage to appear on the outside!
• Contact marylucey@careerahead.ie or www.careerahead.ie 087 9338941 for more information.
The new Kerry Rose for 2024 will be selected this Friday night at the Height Hotel in Killarney. It’s time to meet the contestants…
Alanna Starnes
Alanna Starnes (22) is a proud native of Laois who found her heart in the beauty of The Kingdom and now calls Kenmare home. She leads as Front Office Manager in Sheen Falls Lodge, a role deeply rooted in her upbringing in the hospitality life.
Introduced to the hospitality world from her first steps and embracing the fast-paced industry, she completed her degree in Bachelor of Business in International Hotel Management and Hospitality Management in 2023.
During the hustle, she finds solace in singing, a passion she has nurtured since primary school. Notably, she and her sister serenaded their social media followers daily during the first Covid-19 lockdown, even gracing the TV screens twice.
Amanda O’Sullivan
Amanda O’Sullivan (22) is from Dromid, near the scenic coastal village of Waterville. She is a 4th Year Bachelor of Education student in Mary Immaculate College and is set to graduate next October. She was recently selected as the Skellig Coast Community Rose and works part-time as a waitress in the Lobster Bar, who sponsored her.
Amanda aims to teach in a Scoil lán-Ghaeilge as she is passionate about Irish and has been a teacher of the Aonad lán-Ghaeilge summer camp for many years. She enjoys traditional Irish singing and set dancing and has competed in many competitions over the years.
Amanda is a social butterfly who likes meeting new people and seizing all opportunities that come her way, starting with this year’s Kerry Rose Selection.
Aoibhe Joy
Aoibhe Joy (21) is a vivacious young woman hailing from Ballybunion, Co. Kerry. She is completing her undergraduate studies in UCC and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Play Therapy.
During the day, she works at Aras Mhuire Nursing Home where she recently won a charity event in aid of the home, the Listowel Community Rose. Apart from her commitments, Aoibhe loves to unwind by visiting the mesmerising Ballybunion beaches, playing football for her local club, Beale GAA and exploring Kerry’s scenic landscapes with her friends.
With her outgoing personality, Aoibhe is always open to new experiences and enjoys travelling. With the unwavering support of her family, she is excited about what this journey entails.
Aoife O’Sullivan
Aoife O’Sullivan (25) is a primary school teacher hailing from the picturesque parish of Churchill. Aoife has a huge interest in sport, both as a participant and a spectator, and is a member of the Abbeydorney Ladies Football team as well as the Cillard Camogie team.
She also helps to coach Cillard’s youngest stars- the U6/U8 team on Saturday mornings. Aoife enjoys playing music and has performed in many community events, she has a grá for Gaeilge and also enjoys helping out on the family farm.
Aoife is looking forward to taking part in the Kerry Rose Selection this year and is grateful to have the opportunity to honour Ashling Murphy as part of the experience.
Claudia Ward
A native of Tralee, Claudia Ward (23) holds a degree in Microbiology from UCC and is completing her second degree in Quality Management Systems with Data Analytics at MTU this year. Returning to Tralee after university to work at Kerry Dairy Ireland, the Rose of Tralee Festival has always been a cherished part of her life.
A pure Kerry girl at heart, she is committed to making a positive impact in both her local community by volunteering with The Irish Girl Guides and MS Ireland and on a broader scale by volunteering with The European Solidarity Corps.
Her dedication to effecting positive change has earned her the opportunity to represent Ireland in a European Union initiative showcasing female leadership.
Debora Canty
Debora Canty (21) resides in Causeway, next to the stunning Meenogahane. Debora recently finished her fourth year at MTU studying Social Care and has received a Social Care Ireland Award.
Debora now works in the Family Resource Centre in the lovely Ballyheigue and a Children’s Residential in Kerry. Debora adores her job and the children she works with. In the upcoming year or two, Debora intends to pursue a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and continue working with young people.
Debora loves spending time with her friends and family, meeting new people and trying new things. In the last year Debora has found a love for exercising and getting outside and loves to take her two dogs with her.
Emer Dineen
Emer Dineen (23) is from charming Castlegregory in Co. Kerry. Having graduated University College Dublin, Emer is now a paediatric radiographer based in Temple Street hospital, covering both Tallaght and Connolly’s paediatric wings.
A love of working with and helping children was furthered when lifeguarding in the summers off from college. Emer loves Gaeilge and more recently has begun learning Irish Sign Language, which has arisen from a desire to better understand Lámh- a manual sign system designed to help people with communication in Ireland.
Volunteering at Barretstown is very important to Emer and her family. The sense of fun and adventure there is magic! Emer loves meeting new people and trying different experiences.
Emma Browne
Emma Browne (20) is living in Scartaglin, Co. Kerry. Emma graduated from Kerry College of Beauty in 2023 with an ITEC and CIBTAC qualification.
Emma is currently working in Marion’s Beauty Salon, Castleisland, as a full time beautician. Emma loves to go for drives and walks in her spare time and can often be found strolling the sandy beach of Inch. Emma loves to socialise and meet with her friends and family.
Emma also loves meeting new clients and enjoys the energy they bring to the salon. She enjoys making them feel beautiful in their own skin, whether it’s nails, eyebrows, or facials.
Grace Kearney
Grace Kearney (25) is a proud north Kerry woman from Ballyduff. As one of six children, Grace grew up in a lively farming household that was never short of a character visiting.
This came in very useful in her chosen career as a Home Economics and Religious Education teacher in St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Ballybunion.
As well as learning the concertina, Grace enjoys going for walks and playing football with Abbeydorney Ladies Football team. Grace has grown up watching the Rose of Tralee every year and so, is delighted to get the opportunity to partake in the Kerry Rose Selection.
Iminathi Siphungu
Iminathi Siphungu (18) was born in South Africa and is living in Listowel. A full-time student, Iminathi is in 6th Year in Presentation Secondary School, Listowel.
She is currently studying for her leaving cert exams and hopes to become a solicitor in the future. Iminathi has a love of sports, going to the gym, dancing, music and singing. She also has a passion for fashion and self-expression.
She enjoys spending time with loved ones and friends, helping others and making a positive impact in her community. Iminathi is delighted to have Mayfair Healthcare as her sponsor and is looking forward to Selection Night!
Katrina Galvin
Katrina Galvin (29) from London has strong Irish roots between Kerry, Cork and Wexford. Katrina grew up in Kerry, becoming a strong advocate for dance and performing arts in the county.
She has a BA Hons. in Voice and Dance from University Limerick and professional dance training from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London. Katrina is a qualified ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and is also a classical soprano.
Her love for teaching and inspiring children’s love for dance and performance brought her to open her own school, Sparrow Academy of Dance and Stage. Katrina won the “Rising Star” award in the Connect Kerry Women Business Awards.
She loves dancing, singing and performing and is always thankful for the support of family and friends. Katrina wishes all the Rose entrants the very best of luck!
Lorraine Lawlor
Lorraine Lawlor (26) lives in Tralee. She graduated from the Munster Technological University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Management. Lorraine is currently working in The Bank Of Ireland as a Mortgage Services Specialist.
She loves to go walking in her spare time and can often be found strolling the sandy beaches of Banna and Ballyheigue. Lorraine also enjoys attending spinning and boxing classes in the Kerry Sports Academy.
She loves to socialise and meet with her friends. Lorraine is a volunteer with ALONE and enjoys her weekly visits to her client.
Nicole O’Connor
Nicole O’Connor (28) is from the beautiful town of Listowel. For the past four years she has worked in Aldi, Listowel, where her career has progressed significantly becoming deputy store manager within her first two years.
About four years ago, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease which has had a huge impact on her life. Colitis Ireland helped her with understanding her diagnosis and because of this she has done an abseil of Croke Park and is planning a skydive with the Irish Parachute Club in Tulllamore, Co. Offaly, both in aid of Colitis Ireland.
She has raised just under €2,500 and hopes to continue to raise more in the future. An adventurer at heart, Nicole loves to travel and has a dream of travelling to two new places every year. She also loves to explore new beaches by walking along the shore with her two nephews on either hand.
Sarah Ní Chualáin
Sarah Ní Chualáin (20) from Ballyferriter is currently studying Speech and Language Therapy in University of Galway.
Having just finished her second year, Sarah aspires to work as a Speech and Language Therapist at home and abroad in the future. Currently, she plays basketball in Galway and football at home with Cumann Peil Ban Daingean Uí Chúis.
She loves travelling and hopes to visit as many countries as possible once she finishes her degree. She would be honoured to represent the Kingdom as the 2024 Kerry Rose as she has been inspired by many Roses over the years and would love to be that inspiration for another young girl.
Sarah has really enjoyed these past few weeks, getting to meet new people and share some amazing experiences with all of the other Kerry Rose entrants.
Shauna Dineen
Shauna Dineen (23), from Causeway, is an English and Geography teacher. She qualified in 2023 and has been teaching in Cork City ever since. She loves to share her knowledge of both subjects with her students and is very passionate about guiding them toward their full potential. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she collaborated last year with the Irish brand Gym Plus Coffee on a project related to mental and physical health. Shauna is currently training for a half marathon, so many of her weekends are spent running in Kerry, taking in the scenic views.
THE Kilmoyley Tidy Towns’ 5k/10k fundraising run will take place once again this year on Sunday, May 26 at 10am.
The event is a very popular way of getting the community together as well as welcoming running enthusiasts from outside the local area.
It will follow the usual 5k route from St Erc’s Primary School to the School Cross on to O’Sullivan’s Lerrig Stores up to Lerrig Lough turning right at the Kilmoyley GAA on to the Church and back to the primary school.
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The event never disappoints in being a truly enjoyable day, so dust off the runners and get the pushchairs ready.
Entry is €15 for 10K, €10 for 5K and €5 for children U16. There is also a Family Offer – for each adult with three children, one child goes free. Check out the Tidy Towns Kilmoyley Facebook page for further details.
THE North Munster bridge community will hold its first annual President’s Charity Bridge Day on Sunday, May 19th, at 2pm at the Tralee Bridge Centre next to Casement Train Station.
This event is spearheaded by Liam Lynch, the North Munster Bridge President. It celebrates the close of the bridge season with a special focus on supporting the heroic efforts of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) volunteers, including the crews of the ‘Robert Hywel Jones Williams’ and ‘Lizzie’ lifeboats.
Registration is on the day of the event and the entry fee is €15 per person. The event is supported by Bon Secours Hospital Tralee.
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You can join fellow bridge enthusiasts for a day of competition and camaraderie, with opportunities to win numerous prizes across all bridge grades.
All proceeds from this charity bridge day will directly benefit the RNLI, aiding in their critical sea rescue operations along our coasts.
“Join us to support a vital cause while enjoying the game of bridge we all cherish,” said Liam Lynch. “It’s an excellent opportunity for players of all levels to come together, compete, and make a real impact on our community and beyond.”