.Fiadh O’Sullivan with Adam, Fergal, Ava and Sarah O’Sullivan and family at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE weather gods were truly smiling once again on Tralee schoolchildren for a very special occasion on Saturday.
The pupils from three second classes at Scoil Eoin Balloonagh made their way in the sunshine to Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church to receive First Holy Communion.
Fr Padraig Walsh — assisted by Deacon Sean Murphy — was the celebrant for three separate ceremonies as pupils from the classes of Triona Daly, Nora O’Sullivan and Siobhan Daly received the sacrament.
It was a lovely occasion for all the families who no doubt enjoyed the celebrations afterwards. Scroll down for photos…
TO PURCHASE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS, PLEASE CALL 087-9384810 OR EMAIL dcrean@traleetoday.ie
Paige Quillinan with Wayne Sophie, Jamie and Mags Quillinan at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Róisín Coffey, with Derek, Aoife, Sadhbh and Orla at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanAmelia Kerins with Chris, Allie, AJ and Andrea Kerins at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Abbie Savage with Ciara Savage and Shane Breen at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanEabha Cotter with Jennifer, Tim, Siobhan and Jessica Cotter at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Oisin O’Donnell with Grace, Irene, Norma, John, Hugh and Mike O’Donnell at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanMia Doyle with Aisling, Amy, Mary, Frank and Sarah McLoughlin at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Leah Ruane with Deirdre and Paul Ruane at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanAmelia O’Connor with Thomas, Clodagh and Tracy O’Connor at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dara O’Regan with Norma, Cian, Eve and Brian O’Regan at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanFionn Smith with Seamus, Tadhg and Nicola Smith at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Robyn O’Hara with Sinead Healy, Craig and Willow O’Hara at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanDonnacha Brosnan with Michaela, Denis and Laura Brosnan and Margaret Leen at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Grace Horan with Alan, Louise and Adam Horan at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanShane and Tadhg Murphy with Gillian, Darragh and Conal Murphy at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanSophie Ross Quirke and family at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Logan Long with Porschia Long, Ger Moran, Hunter Long, Hazel Moran, Cassidy Long, Trish Moran, Dolly Molloy and Cillian Moran at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanJames Norton with Neil, Billy and Grainne Norton at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gabija Kuraite and familyy at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanLayla McCannon with Ronin and Jason McCannon, Jean O’Shea, Eimear Bruton and Shane Fitzgerald at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanConor Long with Niamh, Aoibhín and Darragh Long at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Hannah O’Carroll with Tara and Fionán O’Carroll at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanRegan Herlihy with Darragh Deasy, Pat Herlihy and Yuqing Wu at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanAlan Slanicki with Monika Slanick and Adam Slaniciki at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Fiadh O’Sullivan and family at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanOlivia Laide with Deirdre, Joyce, Katie and Barry Laide at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Michael McCarthy and family at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanColman O’Donoghue and family at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanKate Jackson with Elaine, Conor and Peter Jackson at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.Isabel O’Leary and family at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanOlivia Laide with Deirdre,Joyce, Katie and Barry Laide and grandparents Phil Daly and Mary Laide at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot CreanNora O’Sullivan’s class from Scoil Eoin Primary School who made their First Holy Communion at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church with Deacon Sean Murphy and Fr Padraig Walsh. Photo by Dermot CreanTriona Daly’s class at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church with Deacon Sean Murphy and Fr Padraig Walsh. Photo by Dermot CreanSiobhan Daly’s class at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church, with Deacon Sean Murphy and Fr Padraig Walsh. Photo by Dermot CreanSaudah O’Brien, Kathleen Ryan and Helen O’Hara at Scoil Eoin Primary School First Holy Communion Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church. Photo by Dermot Crean.
David Moriarty on Kerry FC’s defeat at home to UCD on Friday night…
KERRY FC 1-2 UCD AFC
Kerry FC returned home on Friday evening as they welcomed UCD AFC to Mounthawk Park for the first time.
It was a scorching evening in Tralee with temperatures reaching highs of 23 degrees. The weather was fit for a great night of football in the Kingdom.
Kerry FC came into the game on a streak of four losses with the most recent coming in a 2-1 loss away to Longford Town on the Bank Holiday Monday.
Sean O’Connell, Ryan Kelliher, Steven Healy, Daniel Okwute and Kennedy Amechi all came back into the starting line-up with Ronan Teahan returning to the matchday squad after missing the game in Bishopsgate.
UCD came to Tralee after last week’s 2-1 defeat against Cobh Ramblers. The side that sits second in the league were unsuccessful in defending a ten-game unbeaten streak. Kerry were hopeful of capitalising on that with their arrival at Mounthawk Park.
Continued below…
.
The opening five minutes were mostly made up of UCD possession, but they couldn’t get anywhere near Antonio Tuta’s net with a few long passes going out for goal kicks. The game burst into action however only a couple of minutes later when Sean McGrath put Kerry FC into the lead.
A bit of tight passing possession by the right side of the box had Steven Healy in space to pick out the free pass of Sean McGrath who buried the ball into the bottom left corner past Kian Moore in the student’s goal.
It was a fantastic start for Kerry FC and Sean McGrath once again showed a cool head to finish the ball neatly to the delight of the home support.
Just ten minutes later, UCD got themselves back level through a fantastic strike from Micheal McCullagh. He found space about forty yards from goal and faked a shot getting Steven Healy away from him and then hit a thirty-yard screamer into the right side of the net giving Antonio Tuta no chance.
Just fourteen minutes after the equaliser, McCullagh was on hand again to put UCD ahead. Luke O’Regan was in acres of space down the right-hand side before cutting it back to McCullagh who hit the ball into the ground and directed his shot in off of Tuta’s left-hand post. It was a huge turnaround for UCD after going behind early in the game.
Continued below…
.
Kerry FC needed to get back into the game fast as they were in real danger of losing by a bigger margin. After the Sean McGrath opening goal, there was very little being created and nothing at all testing for Moore in the opposition’s net.
Kerry made a couple of changes with Kennedy Amechi being replaced by Nathan Gleeson before the end of the first half due to a cut to the face and Daire McCarthy was moved into centre-back as Samuel Aladesanusi was replaced by Ronan Teahan.
Five minutes after the restart Sean McGrath had the ball in the back of the net but was ruled to have fouled Eanna Clancey. Clancey made a mistake in an outward pass which led to pressure from McGrath before going to ground which was a soft call some might say from Lucas Keating.
Kerry FC put in a much more spirited effort in the second half and had a chance sail just over the crossbar from McGrath from some distance out.
Keating started dishing out yellow cards all around the place with Sean Brennan, Niall Holohan, Micheal McCullagh, Sean O’Connell, Daniel Okwute, Ronan Teahan and Daire McCarthy all going into the book.
Daniel Okwute missed a couple of tough chances inside the opposition’s box to try and level things up.
In added time Harry Curtis saw a straight red card for a conversation between himself and Kerry attackers Nathan Gleeson and Victor Udeze. Whatever was said it was right in front of the referee and he did not hesitate in showing the UCD man the red card.
Although Kerry had the extra man for the last few minutes of added time it did not benefit the home side as the game ended in the ninety-sixty minute with UCD coming out 2-1 victors.
Kerry will be happy with their second-half performance, but it is now five straight losses for Conor McCarthy’s side who travel to Ferrycarrig Park to take on Wexford FC next Friday.
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 15. KEVIN WILLIAMS, 6. ETHAN KOS, 18. SAMUEL ALADESANUSI, 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 21. DAIRE MCCARTHY, 14. STEVEN HEALY, 7. SEAN MCGRATH (GOAL ‘6), 12. KENNEDY AMECHI, 9. RYAN KELLIHER (C), 11. DANIEL OKWUTE.
SUBS: AARON O’SULLIVAN, JACK KAVANAGH, RONAN TEAHAN, VALERII DOLIA, NATHAN GLEESON, CIAN BROSNAN, VICTOR UDEZE, GRAHAM O’REILLY, EVISON RRAMANI.
UCD TEAM: 1. KIAN MOORE, 3. ADAM WELLS, EANNA CLANCEY (C), 6. SEAN BRENNAN, 7. MICHAEL MCCULLAGH (GOAL ’17, ’30), 13. DONAL HIGGINS, 18. NIALL HOLOHAN, 26. LUKE O’REGAN, 29. JAKE DOYLE, 30. HUGH PARKER, 31. STEPHEN MOHAN
SUBS: DARA KAVANAGH, ALEX DUNNE, MICHAEL RAGGETT, CIARAN BEHAN, HARRY CURTIS, COLIN BOLTON, DANU KINSELLA BISHOP, ADAM VERDON, ADAM BRENNAN.
.TY students Carolina O’Callaghan, Aisling Lynch, Kieran Devane and Priya O’Donovan at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was an impressive turnout at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday night for a special night of drama.
Months of rehearsals paid off for the Transition Year students who staged ‘All’s Well That Ends Well?’ in the school assembly area.
Part of a trilogy of plays written by playwright Mary Quirke of Qwerkkreations, 17 TY students performed while amazing work was done behind the scenes by the students in costumes and props and PR and Marketing.
Continued below…
.
The play, performed in English, starred Kayla Ní Chonchúir as Audrey and Dan Ó Maoldomhnaigh as Davy. Audrey has recently had a baby and is keen to expand her family, her mother Imelda (Rebecca Ní Neachtáin), a local social climber, has other ideas.
Davy’s hen pecked father Raymond’s (Ruairí Ó Loingsigh) health takes a turn for the worse, or has it? The incompetent undertakers Paddy (Iarla Ó hAiniféin) and Johnny (Paschal Ó Buachalla) have it all under control.
A hugely enjoyable night was had by all who attended and took part. Scroll down for photos…
The cast of the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening before the performance. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members Kayla Ní Chonchúir, Maggie Ní Tóibín and Donnacha Mac Uileagóid at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanJeanette, Jean Marie and Micaela Horan at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean.Pat and Mary O’Brien at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanTaking tickets at the door were Katie Hobbert and Emily Ní Bhriain at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean.Caoimhe Ní Ghrifín and Clodagh de Mordha at the raffle prize table at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanLauren and Madeline Foley at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mary Hussey, Brendan Walsh and Eileen Walsh at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanMartina Ní Chonchúir and Cáit Uí Chonchúir at the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanThe cast in full costume for the play at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Rita Greensmyth, Helen Power, Valda Morrissey and Mags O’Sullivan Centre Manager
THIS May sees a local institution reach a landmark.
Yes, the Aqua Dome is celebrating its 30th birthday this month and after rising attendances in the past two years, the future is looking good for the tourist amenity.
“We have had many happy customers over the years and lots of wonderful memories have been created here,” said Centre Manager Mags O’Sullivan.
Continued below…
.
In the past two years the Aqua Dome has seen a surge in visitor numbers mirroring visitor attendances from when it first opened back in 1994. Approximately 200,000 customers visited the Aqua Dome last year and they are heading in that direction again this year.
“Our 30th birthday seems like a good time to add some new features and bring more of a wow factor to the Aqua Dome,” said Chairman Brian Durran. “We’re currently looking at our options and we will be applying for financial assistance from the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund later this year.”
CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge said; “We are very proud to be able to say that the Aqua Dome remains one of the most important attractions in Kerry after 30 years in operation. There is no doubt that the Aqua Dome was ahead of its time when it was built and the facility still looks great and is in good shape which is testament not only to the staff at the Aqua Dome who have maintained it but also the builders who were responsible for the construction back in 1994.”
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Deirdre Vann Bourke, Kerry Citizens Information Manager says; “The service is very busy at present and we are working hard to respond to the needs of the community.
“We are very much a face-to-face service so if anyone needs information or assistance in relation to their entitlements, we encourage you to drop in to one of our offices and bring any documents or correspondence, relating to the matter, with you.”
Q. Today we are going to focus on supports for Carer’s. What information and supports are available for Carer’s from Citizens Information?
People providing care for family members often are so busy with their caring responsibilities that they don’t always have time to look at what supports are available to them.
Some people don’t even think of themselves as Carer’s as they consider their work as part of an unspoken promise to be there for loved ones when they need them.
It is important that they know that Carer’s may be entitled to a number of supports from the Department of Social Protection.
The two main social welfare payments for carer’s providing full-time care are Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit.
You may also qualify for an annual Carer’s Support Grant. Another consideration would be taking Carer’s Leave from work to care for a loved one. We also look at any secondary benefits for which the person who is caring, may qualify.
Continued below…
.
Q. What’s the difference between Carer’s Benefit & Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Benefit is a short-term payment paid for up to 2 years to people who give up employment to care on a full-time basis for someone who requires full-time care and attention.
It is PRSI based and you have to have a certain number of PRSI contributions paid. People who are self-employed and paying a Class S PRSI contribution will not qualify.
On the other hand, Carer’s Allowance is a payment for people who are caring on a full-time basis for someone who requires full-time care and attention and will require it for at least 12 months. You must satisfy a means test and the habitual residency condition to qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
To claim either payment, you must complete an application form and submit to DSP. It is important that you put in detailed information in relation to the level of care that you are providing to support your application.
Q. What does ‘full time care’ mean?
A person is seen as needing full-time care when they need continual supervision to avoid danger to themselves or they need continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day with normal bodily functions.
For example, help to walk and get about, eat or drink, get washed or dressed. The Department of Social Protection will decide if the person needs full-time care. This decision will be based on the information that the Carer provides on the application form.
The person being cared for must have their doctor complete, sign and stamp the Medical Report which is part of the Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Allowance application form.
This Medical Report is not needed if the person being cared for is a child who is getting Domiciliary Care Allowance. You or the person needing care must not be living in a hospital or institution.
However, you can continue to be seen as providing full-time care if you or the person being cared for is having medical or other treatment in a hospital or institution for not longer than 13 weeks.
Continued below…
.
Q. Do you have to be caring for a set number of hours to qualify for a Carer’s payment?
The time spent providing care must not be less than 35 hours per week, over 5-7 days. If you are away, you must be able to arrange full-time care for the person you care for.
Q. You said that Carer’s Benefit is for people who leave work to provide care. Does the person have to resign from their job?
No, the person does not have to give up their job if they are applying for Carer’s Benefit. While it involves the applicant leaving work or reducing their hours in order to care for a person in need of full-time care, the person can apply for Carer’s Leave from their employment.
Carer’s leave allows employees to leave work temporarily to provide full-time care and attention for someone who needs it. You can take carer’s leave for a minimum of 13 weeks and up to a maximum of 104 weeks.
Carer’s leave from employment is unpaid but your job will be kept open for when you return. However to get carer’s leave, you must have worked for your employer for 12 months without a break in employment.
Employers are entitled to at least 6 weeks written notice from the employee of the intention to take carer’s leave. The person you will be caring for must need full-time care and attention. A deciding officer of the DSP will decide whether they need this care after checking with their GP.
Q. Can you do any paid work while on Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance?
You can be employed, self-employed, in training or in education outside the home for up to a maximum of 18.5 hours per week. If on Carer’s Benefit, the maximum amount you can earn is €350 per week after tax, PRSI & Union dues are deducted.
Currently, if you are single, €350 of your total weekly income is not taken into account in the means test for Carer’s Allowance. If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting the first €750 of your combined total weekly income is not taken into account.
This will change from June 2024. From then, the income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will increase to €450 for a single person and €900 for a couple. So if you don’t qualify now, you might later this year.
Q. Can you explain the means test for Carer’s Allowance?
First of all, like Carer’s Benefit, you must be providing full-time care and attention to a person who requires that level of care. In addition however, you must be habitually resident in the State and pass a means test. In certain circumstances you may be eligible for Half Rate Carer’s Allowance.
The main sources of income included in the means test for Carer’s Allowance are any cash income and capital income – this includes savings, investments, shares or any property you have (but not your own home).
The first €50,000 of your capital is not taken into account. Any payment from the Department of Social Protection is not included in the means test. You can get up to €14,000 per year for renting out a room in your own home without it affecting your payment.
Citizens Information staff can help you work out how the means test would apply in your individual situation.
Q. How much is each payment worth per week?
Your payment is made up of a personal rate for yourself and extra amounts for any child dependants. Carer’s Allowance has no qualified adult payment.
Carer’s Benefit: €249 per week if caring for one person and €373.50 if caring for two people.
Carer’s Allowance: €248 per week if caring for one person and €372, if caring for two people and you are under 66. If you are aged 66+, you will receive up to €286 for one person and €429, if you are caring for two people. You can also get a child increase if you have a qualified child and if you are on Carer’s Allowance, you will get a higher rate when you are aged over 66
Q. What is the qualifying condition for Half-Rate Carer’s?
If you are in one of the following situations you may qualify for half-rate Carer’s Allowance:
Already getting Carer’s Allowance but also meet the qualifying criteria for another social welfare payment
Changed from another social welfare payment to get Carer’s Allowance
Caring for someone and being claimed for by a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant
Getting a social welfare payment other than Carer’s Allowance and caring for someone
You cannot get half-rate carer’s if you are in receipt of a jobseekers payment.
Q. What is the Carer’s Support Grant?
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid to carers once a year by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and it amounts to €1,850 . It is paid once a year, usually on the first Thursday in June, for each person you are caring for. It is not taxable.
You cannot be working outside the home for more than 18.5 hours or signing for Jobseeker’s Credits. It’s important to note that you can apply for this payment even if you are not receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit and if you are caring for more than person, you can get the CSG for each person.
Q. Do you have to live with the person that you are caring?
No, however, non-resident care situations may require investigation by a Social Welfare Inspector before consideration by the Deciding Officer. A direct system of communication must exist between the carer’s residence and that of the care recipient. This may be a telephone or alarm-type system.
The care recipient must not already be receiving full-time care and attention within his or her own residence from another person.
Q. There has been discussion recently about Long Term Care Credits. Can you explain what these are and why they are important?
This year, a new Long-Term Carers Contribution scheme will be introduced. Legislation setting out the full detail of the scheme is not yet published. Under the scheme, if you have been a full-time carer for at least 20 years (1040 weeks), you can get Long-Term Carers Contributions to help you qualify for the State Pension (Contributory).
A Long-Term Carers Contribution is the same as a paid contribution on your PRSI record for each week that you provide full-time care. The contribution makes it easier for a carer to qualify for the State Pension Contributory when they reach pension age.
If you have been providing full-time care for less than 20 years you may be able to avail of the Homemaker’s Scheme or the Home Caring Periods Scheme.
Under these schemes a certain period of time out of the work force caring would not affect any entitlement you may have to the State Pension (Contributory). If you contact your local Citizens Information Centre, we will go look at your situation and advise you on which applies to your situation.
Q. Are there any additional supports available to Carer’s that we have not already covered?
If you get Carer’s Allowance you may also get the Free Household Benefits Package (if you are living with the person you are caring for) and Free Travel.
If you get Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance, at full or half-rate, you are eligible for a GP visit card.
If the person that you are caring for passes away, your Carer’s Benefit payment will continue for 6 weeks following the death, while Carer’s Allowance continues for 12 weeks.
There are also some tax credits that the family can avail of. If you are married or in a civil partnership and you care for a dependent person, you can apply for the Home Carer Tax Credit.
You must be jointly assessed for tax as a couple. You can also claim a tax credit if you are the parent or guardian of a child who is permanently incapacitated, either physically or mentally. It is called the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit.
If you maintain a dependent relative, you may qualify for the Dependent Relative Tax Credit. Maintaining a relative means meeting the costs of everyday living. To qualify for the tax credit, the income of your relative must be below a limit. Contact your local CIC for more details as to whether or not you these apply in your situation.
Q. As usual, this is a vast area and we do not have time to delve into all the details so if someone would like more information what should they do?
If someone would like more information about any of the issues covered, it would be best to telephone or call into your local CIC. We will discuss your current circumstances with you and make you aware how the various schemes apply to your personal circumstances.
This is where Citizens Information can help- we can discuss your situation with you and lay out your options. At the end of the day, you will decide what option is best for you – but hopefully, with our help, you will make your decision based on having all the knowledge you need to make an informed choice.
• For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Kerry on 0818 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary.
The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information.
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, has some flicks to distract you from the Eurovision…
It is very pleasant to find a new twist on an oft reviewed and personal favourite film The Secret Life of Pets(Saturday 12.55pm TG4).
It is a very funny animated adventure, which was the first film I took my eldest granddaughter Amy to see in the cinema.
Two Bickering hounds rivalry end up with them being cast adrift on the streets of New York and the adventures they get up to, plus the characters they get involved with is a very inventive and enjoyable romp. However, the twist is that this is now dubbed “as Gaelige”. Well Done TG4!
Continued below…
.
The Blue Max(Saturday 2.55pm RTE1) is a war story from a slightly different perspective. A World War I German ace fighter pilot, Lieutenant Bruno Stache (George Peppard) has his sights set on the Blue Max, a significant medal of honour, and he does not care how he gets it.
He likes to live dangerously, so having an affair with the wife of his commanding officer (Ursula Andress) is no surprise, as if fighting on the Western Front was not dangerous enough.
It is also the story of how the relativities of modern warfare took over from the semblance of chivalry in previous campaigns.
In America(Saturday 9.50pm TG4) is based on director/producer/writer Jim Sheridan’s own life coming to America as a flat broke immigrant.
Paddy Considine plays Johnny, an Irish actor who sneaks his wife and family over the border from Canada into the United States with the intention of putting their tragic past behind them and making a fresh start in New York.
Also starring Samantha Morton as Sarah, real life sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger, as their daughters Naomi and Kirstin, and Djimon Hounsou as their tenement neighbour Mateo, this is a touching and emotional story as seen through the eyes of the young girls.
Continued below…
.
It wouldn’t be Saturday night without a rom-com, so we have Along Came Polly(Saturday 11pm RTE2).
Ruben Feffer (Ben Stiller) finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he meets up with, and falls for, former classmate Polly (Jennifer Anniston) who throws his well ordered routine into chaos.
However the real star of this film is the wonderful Philip Seymour Hoffman, who did not do many screen comedies, but who steals every scene as Ruben’s friend, Sandy Lyle.
The humour can get very basic and toilet fixated which is a pity as there is a fine cast including Debra Messing, Hank Azaria and Alec Baldwin.
Sorry We Missed You(Saturday 11.50pm RTE1) is Ken Loach’s hard hitting drama that focuses on a debt ridden man whose efforts to improve his family’s finances by becoming a self employed delivery driver only leads to more debt and difficulties.
A fine cast of Kris Hitchen, Debbie Underwood and Rhys McGowan are very good, but there are not too many light moments in this story. Enjoy!
ELECTION fever has spread to Tralee Food Festival where local candidates have been offered a guaranteed seat in the annual Office Chair Racing for Kerry Mental Health Association.
All 16 Tralee Municipal District hopefuls have been invited to enter the competition, which takes place from 5.30pm on Friday, May 17, in Abbey Car park at the new Sound-Bite Festival Marquee to literally kick-start this year’s three-day culinary extravaganza in Kerry’s Capital.
The politicians and other competitors from the world of sport and business will each pay a €50 entry fee which will support Kerry Mental Health Association.
Continued below…
.
The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said, “While food lovers are preparing for the Taste Trail treats, they can enjoy watching some well-known and less well-known people from our community scramble for success on their office chairs.
“This event will once again help shine a spotlight on the importance of minding our own mental health and that of our colleagues at work as much as anywhere else. On top of that, it’s a truly hilarious and fun evening’s entertainment. We are grateful to Mike Quirke in Office and Ink Supplies in the Monavalley Industrial Estate for coming on board as a sponsor of this year’s event.”
All the election candidates in the Tralee Municipal District have been invited to enter the races and as of the launch the following have confirmed their support: Anluan Dunne (GP), Cllr Mikey Sheehy (FF), Anne O’Sullivan (FF), the Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O’Brien (Lab), Ben Slimm (Lab), Angie Baily (FG), Sinead Donnelly (FG), Cllr Cathal Foley (SF), Cllr Deirdre Ferris (SF), Paul Daly (SF), Paddy Kevane (SF), Mistura Oyebanji (SD), Cllr Sam Locke (Ind), Eddie O’Grady (Ind/IPP) and Jacob Sweeney (NP).
Ken Tobin from the Tralee Food Festival Organising Team said, “We are delighted to team-up with Kerry Mental Health Association as our charity partner for the second year. We proudly support the charity’s ongoing work while promoting the connection between healthy eating, fun, exercise, and overall well-being.”
Volunteers from Kerry Mental Health Association will be on hand at the key Tralee Food Festival venues over the weekend giving customers an opportunity to make a donation towards the charity.
THE Mayor of Tralee has again asked Kerry County Council to look at extending the footpath in Blennerville village out to the bend at Tonevane.
Speaking at last week’s meeting of the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council, Mayor of Tralee, Labour Cllr. Terry O’Brien asked that the Council would examine the possibility of providing the footpath to the metal bridge before Tonevane bend as this is part of a recognised walk in the county.
Mayor O’Brien said many tourists are using the walking route and are taking their lives in their hands by walking along the side of the busy road.
Continued below…
.
He said funds had to be found from somewhere to construct the footpath.
In reply, Council management said the location will be further examined to establish the current available width to introduce Active Travel facilities along this section.
If it can be established that the available width can be obtained/ acquired, then the findings will be discussed with the TII Active Travel Section.
THE HSE Community Work Department and Community Health Network, in partnership with older person groups in Tralee are hosting an event in Tralee next week.
This Health Awareness Event will take place in The Rose Hotel on Wednesday, May 15, from 10am to 2pm.
There will be a talk from Dr Mary Randles on geriatric medicine, on Meals on Wheels, Memory and Stimulaton and more. There will also be numerous stands from St Vincent de Paul, Kerry Library, the HSE, Alzheimer Society of Ireland and many more.
There will be free teas, coffees and scones served at the event. No booking is required. For more information, contact 066-7104830.
MEMBERS of the Tralee Community Garda policing unit will be at Manor West Shopping Centre on Monday to give tips on bicycle safety.
It’s all part of National Bike Week which is taking place from Saturday, May 11 until Sunday, May 18. Gardaí will be giving advice on how to stay safe while cycling on the roads as well as tips for theft prevention at a special stand in the shopping centre.
The public are invited to come along between 12noon and 2pm. Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling with events taking place all over the country. To find out more, click here.
.The Kennedy Cup squad with the cheque presented to Kerry Hospice this week.
THE Kennedy Cup coaches and squad were at the Palliative Care Unit this week to make a special presentation.
The coaches for the U14 Schoolboys soccer team donated their expenses of €1,000 for the year to the Kerry Hospice in memory of the late Rosemarie Quill, sister of coach Aidan Murnane.
The Kerry Hospice Foundation thanked Aidan along with fellow coaches Andrew O’Leary and Donal McGrath, for their generosity.
Continued below…
.
The coaches wanted to acknowledge the wonderful care and attention that Rosemarie received from the staff in the Palliative Care Unit before her passing in late December 2023.
Kerry Hospice also wished the U14 boys all the best in the forthcoming Kennedy Cup competition in June.
.Padraig McGillicuddy with TJ O’Connor and Andrew Foley during the Four Peaks Challenge last Sunday.
THREE friends completed the remarkable feat of climbing Ireland’s toughest peaks in less than 24 hours to help out two children bravely battling a rare condition…and their efforts have raised nearly €55,000!
Alannah and Adam Foley, two children from Killorglin, bravely fighting Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), have captured the hearts of their community.
In a remarkable display of support, the trio of friends embarked on The 4 Peaks Challenge last Sunday in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the siblings’ ongoing treatment.
Continued below…
.
Father of Alannah and Adam, Andrew Foley was joined by TJ O’Connor of the MTU and Proprietor of Ballygarry Estate, Padraig McGillicuddy, in tackling Carrauntoohil (1040m) in Co. Kerry, Mweelrea (841m) in Co. Mayo, Slieve Donard (840m) in Co. Down, and Lugnaquilla (925m) in Co. Wicklow, amazingly completing the four in 23 hours.
“It was an amazing and wholesome feeling to climb for this cause,” said Padraig McGillicuddy. “The Foley family have had a lone journey that is now shared through a community. The opportunity to help was unsurpassable especially when you meet Alannah and Adam. These kids are extra ordinary, unique and so deserving of support.
“Lastly I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a sense of community as that which surrounded the family this past month culminating in this weekend,” concluded Padraig.
So far the Neuro GoFundMe page has raised nearly €55,000 showing that the efforts of the community can really make a difference.
.Miriam Moriarty Owens who is one of the organisers of the event next month.
A MEMORIAL plaque will be unveiled on the grounds of the former Nazareth Home in Tralee, formerly Pembroke Alms Industrial School, by Minister for Education Norma Foley, this Saturday.
This is to mark the anniversary of when Taoiseach Bertie Ahern stood on the steps of Dáil Eireann and offered a heartfelt apology on behalf of the State for the cruelty inflicted upon children in Industrial and Reformatory Schools across Ireland.
The 25th anniversary of this pivotal event in Irish history approaches on May 11. An invitation has been extended to the general public to attend the unveiling on May 11 at 1pm at McCauley unit Baile Mhuire, Tralee.
Continued below…
.
“This ceremony serves as a profound act of respect and a catalyst for healing for all those impacted by such institutions,” said one of the organisers of the event, Miriam Moriarty Owens.
“We are deeply grateful that Minister for Education Norma Foley will make the official unveiling of the memorial, underscoring the government’s commitment to acknowledging and addressing these historical wrongs.”
“The harrowing experiences endured by these innocent children within the walls of such institutions must never fade from our collective consciousness,” continued Miriam.
“We ask everyone to stand not only behind us, but beside us, in united remembrance and a commitment to ensuring such injustices never occur again.”
There will be refreshments after the ceremony at The Rose Hotel.
ALL roads lead to the Kingdom County Fair which will take place at Ballymacthomas over this Saturday and Sunday.
Held in Tralee for over 70 years, the mission is to provide a platform for local businesses to display their goods to the public and for the promotion of local culture including music, dance, home crafts, horticulture.
They will host a wide range of classes for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and a dog show, bonny baby, best dressed competition, arts and crafts, vintage show amongst numerous other activities on the day.
Continued below…
.
For the kids there’s Little Rosebuds entertainment, Scottys Circus, the Westport Sheepdog Experience, fun fair/amusement rides, toy stalls, children’s classes in the dog show, in hand young handlers classses in the cattle showing & pony showing, ridden pony showing classes, puppet shows, circus acts, balloon making and more.
It’s an opportunity for urban dwellers to meet with their rural neighbours and to experience rural living and rural pursuits.
Speaking at the launch, James Tarrant Chairman said; “It’s great to be back, we believe that our new showground is a wonderful facility.” To buy tickets, click here.
DARKNESS Into Light Tralee returns this Saturday and will begin once again from the Tralee Bay Wetlands.
The walk, in aid of Pieta, will start on Saturday, May 11 at 4.15am beginning from the Wetlands carpark entrance.
Registration is available online on www.darknessintolight.ie (then click Kerry and follow the steps). The Tralee walk is just one of many taking place at the same time around the county. The others are in the following locations…
GARDAI in Killarney investigating an incident of robbery and assault on a woman aged in her 80s last month, have arrested a man.
The incident occurred on Port Road, Killarney, on Monday, April 23. The woman, an American tourist, required medical treatment following the incident, where she suffered a head injury and a broken arm.
A search operation took place this morning, Thursday in Killarney and a man, aged in his 20s was arrested in relation to robbery and assault.
He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Kerry Division.
The most recent fortnightly club lotto draw took place on Monday, April 29th at the club grounds. There was no jackpot or match 3 winner on this occasion. The numbers drawn were 7, 8, 9 and the bonus ball was 15.
Lucky Dip Winners were as follows:
€50 Tina Carey, Milltown
€50 Ian Twiss, Milltown
€25 Eileen and Sophie Twiss, Milltown
€25 Donal Hickey
€25 David Bevan, Milltown
€25 Jacinta Bourke, Abbeydorney
Our next club lotto draw is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 13th at 19:30pm in the Clubhouse where the jackpot will be €13,000. Get your draw tickets or renew your yearly tickets online on Clubforce or get your tickets for the next draw from all the usual local outlets. 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 support is sincerely appreciated.
GAA Football Review Committee: Survey
A survey is being shared with the wider GAA membership relating to the work of the Football Review Committee.
The committee, led by Jim Gavin, is evaluating the current rules and regulations of Gaelic football.
Milltown/Castlemaine GAA Club Members are encouraged to participate in the survey before it closes on June 30, 2024.
Survey Links are as follows:
English Version – https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hrxFrNSvpUKfwz6H4bd_zhzfYsn8PmBBnoNH1dx2MrRUQ1VUSjhLT1I4SlpPWEg1VUc5OVA1RVEzNC4u
Nasc don suirbhé as Gaeilge / Irish Version – https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hrxFrNSvpUKfwz6H4bd_zhzfYsn8PmBBnoNH1dx2MrRUOFhMTlg0WVdNOVgxV05TMVUwRTJMTkIySS4u
Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship: Semi-Final Result – Michael Lynch and David Heasman Represent Milltown/Castlemaine GAA
Congratulations and well done to Milltown/Castlemaine’s Michael Lynch who lined out at full back last night, Tuesday May 7th in Semple Stadium, Thurles against Tipperary in the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship Semi-Final. Clubman David Heasman is also a selector with the management team. Kerry emerged victorious on a final score of 2-19 to 2-05 to advance to the Munster Final on Monday, May 13th at 7:30pm in Pairc Ui Rinn, Cork. Tickets will be available in the coming days online at the following link: https://munster.gaa.ie/fixtures/munster-gaa-tickets/ or alternatively at Centra and Supervalu stores across the county.
Kerry South Development Squads: U15 and U16 – Milltown/Castlemaine Represented
Congratulations and well done to Charlie Griffin who was part of the Kerry South U16 squad on Saturday that had a good 2-14 to 1-10 victory over Galway in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. In what was a tight contest, Charlie came off the bench, made a few crucial turnovers and scored a great goal for Kerry which put them three points ahead as the game entered the final quarter. Kerry eventually ran out 7 point victors. Cathal Moriarty is part of the management team.
Jan Ziober also represented Milltown/Castlemaine on Saturday as the Kerry South U15s took on Meath in Moneygall. Following a competitive contest, Kerry ran out 1-13 to 1-07 winners with Jan starting cornerback and putting in a very impressive showing for the Green and Gold. Stephen Roche is part of the management team.
Great to see our club being represented with Kerry. Keep up the hard work lads 👌🏻
Kerry GAA Development League: Round 3 Fixture
Milltown/Castlemaine ‘C’ will take on Fossa ‘C’ in the Kerry GAA Development League on Saturday, May 11th at 6:00pm in Fossa. All support would be welcome for the players and management.
Kerry Petroleum Senior Club Football Championship: Group Stage Draw
The draw has been made for the 2024 Kerry Petroleum Senior Club Football Championship.
We have been paired with Dingle, Na Gaeil and Dr Crokes.
Our first fixture will be against Na Gaeil. Dates, times and venues to be confirmed in due course.
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 1, Round 6 Result
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Senior ‘A’ side travelled to take on Kilcummin in Round 6 of the Credit Union County Senior Football League on Saturday, May 4th and after a tight battle where the game could have went either way, it was Kilcummin who emerged winners on the narrowest of margins on a final score of 0-16 to 1-12. Hard luck to the players and management who gave it their all but just came up short for the second week on the trot.
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 6B, Round 6 Result
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Senior ‘B’ side had home advantage on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th when they welcomed Spa Killarney to the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. Our lads emerged victorious on a final score of 1-12 to 0-06 to make it 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat from 6 games. The team and management sit top of the table. Great stuff lads.
Kellihers Toyota Central Region Division 3, Round 4 Result and Round 5 Fixture: Minors (U17s)
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Minor side (U17s) travelled to take on Annascaul/Lispole away on Monday night, May 6th in Round 4 of the Central Region and came away with a good victory on a score of 3-09 to 0-10. The lads have 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat so far in the competition.
Round 5 will take place on Monday, May 13th when Milltown/Castlemaine are away to Kerins O’Rahillys/St. Pats Blennerville at 7:00pm. All support is welcome.
Munster Senior Football Championship: Final Result – Cillian Burke Represents Milltown/Castlemaine GAA
Heartiest congratulations to the Kerry Seniors Squad and Management especially Milltown/Castlemaine’s Cillian Burke who played wing-forward for Kerry against Clare in the Munster Senior Football Championship Final last Sunday, May 5th in Cusack Park, Ennis. A first Munster senior football final and winning medal for Cillian and he did extremely well as always, making his family and fellow club members very proud.
U7 Boys:
Milltown/Castlemaine’s U7 Boys are training at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown on a weekly basis. Training takes place at the moment on Saturday evening’s at 5:00pm. For more information please contact Colin McKenna on 087-0687653.
GAA 4 All:
Milltown/Castlemaine’s GAA 4 All training takes place weekly on Wednesday’s at 5:45pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. For more information please contact Danny McClure on 087-6536631.
MC Minis:
Training commenced on Saturday 6th April in the Nagle Rice Community Centre at 9:30am and will continue weekly at the same time. This age group would be for boys born in 2019 and 2020 (Parent/Guardian required to be in attendance to assist) and for girls born in 2018, 2019 or 2020 (Parent/Guardian required to be in attendance to assist). For more information please contact Caitlyn Corkery on 087-2471416.
U8 Girls:
Training is on Saturday mornings at 9:15am at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for girls born in 2016 and 2017. For more information please contact Derry O’Sullivan on 087-7550401.
U9 Boys:
Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:15pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for boys born in 2015 and 2016. For more information please contact Garry Murphy on 087-9432746.
Well done to our Under 9 Boys team who played 3 great games away to Kilcummin on Tuesday night. Some terrific skills and scores by all the teams 👏👏👏👏👏
U10 Girls:
Training is on Monday evening’s at 6:00pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for girls born in 2014 and 2015. For more information please contact Tommy Cronin on 087-1227099.
Well done to our Under 10 girls who travelled to Fossa this evening and participated in a series of challenge games in beautiful sunshine.
Thank you to Fossa for hosting, the coaches and parents for their continued support.
U11 Boys: Go Games Fixture
Milltown/Castlemaine will travel to take on Ballymac on Thursday, May 9th at 6:30pm in Ballymac as part of the Go Games series. This is the teams fourth match of the 2024 season. All support would be welcome for the boys.
U12 Girls:
A busy evening for the juvenile members of our club on Tuesday as our Under 12s girls hosted Cromane in The East Kerry League as they continue on with their series of Go Games.
Well done to the girls and their coaches .. 🇳🇬🇳🇬
U13 Boys: Phase 2 Commences in County League!
Training is on weekly for both the Green and White teams. For more information or if you are new to the area and would like to join please contact Haulie Clifford on 087-6932126.
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Green team will take on Kilcummin on Sunday, May 12th at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. Throw-in is at 7:00pm in Division 1A.
Milltown/Castlemaine’s White team will face Kilcummin at the earlier time of 5:30pm on Sunday, May 12th at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Division 13A.
U14 Girls: Update
Our Under 14 girls hosted John Mitchell’s in a thrilling challenge game last Wednesday evening at home in Milltown.
Well done to the team, and thank you to coaches and supporters and thank you to John Mitchell’s for a sporting contest and best wishes for remainder of county league . 🇳🇬
U15 Boys: Lee Strand County Football League – Division 3 Semi-Final Fixture
Milltown/Castlemaine’s U15 ‘A’ team and management will take on Glenflesk/Kilgarvan tonight, Wednesday May 8th in the Lee Strand County Football League Semi-Final at 7:00pm in the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. All support would be most welcome for the lads.
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 1
Round 1 – Glenflesk (Home on Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00pm) – Lost 1-17 to 1-08
Round 2 – Ballymacelligott (Neutral on Saturday, March 30th at 5:00pm in Caherslee, Tralee) – Drew 1-8 to 1-8
Round 3 – Laune Rangers (Home on Sunday, April 7th at 2:00pm in the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown) – Lost 0-7 to 0-4
Round 4 – Kerins O’Rahillys (Away on Sunday, April 21st at 3:00pm in Healy Park, Ballyrickard) – Won 4-06 to 1-12
Round 5 – Killarney Legion (Home on Saturday, April 27th at 6:30pm in the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown) – Lost 0-12 to 0-11
Round 6 – Kilcummin (Away on Saturday, May 4th at 7:00pm in Kilcummin) – Lost 0-16 to 1-12
Round 7 – Rathmore (Away)
Round 8 – Spa Killarney (Home)
Round 9 – Dingle (Away)
Round 10 – Dr. Crokes (Home)
Round 11 – An Ghaeltacht (Away)
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 6B
Round 1 – Dr. Crokes ‘C’ (Home on Sunday, April 14th at 2:00pm – Rescheduled Fixture This Weekend) – Won 2-09 to 1-10
Round 2 – Beaufort ‘B’ (Away on Sunday, March 31st at 2:00pm, Finished a draw) – Drew 1-08 to 0-11
Round 3 – Kenmare Shamrocks ‘B’ (Home on Saturday, April 6th at 6:30pm, Won the match) – Won 2-6 to 1-5
Round 4 – St. Michaels/Foilmore ‘B’ (Away on Sunday, April 21st at 1:00pm in Foilmore) – Lost 2-10 to 0-10
Round 5 – John Mitchels ‘B’ (Away on Sunday, April 28th at 4:00pm in Ballyseedy, Tralee) – Drew 1-9 to 1-9
Round 6 – Spa Killarney ‘B’ (Home on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th at 7:00pm in the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown) – Won 1-12 to 0-06
Round 7 – Ballymacelligott ‘B’ (Away)
County Senior Football Development League:
Group 1:
Austin Stacks ‘C’
Beaufort ‘C’
Fossa ‘C’
Laune Rangers ‘C’
Milltown/Castlemaine ‘C’
Rathmore ‘C’
Round 3 fixture against Fossa on Saturday, May 11th at 6:00pm in Fossa. All support is welcome.
All Welcome To Join In:
Milltown/Castlemaine GAA are continuously looking for help within our club and at this time of year we would like to invite more coaches to come on board for the 2024 season. Parents’ involvement in their child’s sport increases the likelihood that they play sport and enjoy involvement for life.
Don’t just drop and go, be a part of their journey. You may be able to help coach, hand out bibs or organise a social outing for the team. You may be able to keep track of any information that the coach needs. If you are interested in any voluntary role within the club just send us a message on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter/X) or text Coaching Officer Ian Twiss on 0872521053.
Milltown Bowling Club:
New Year, New hobby.
Want to try something new and fun then come along to Milltown Nagle Rice community centre and have a go at short mat bowls.
All you need is just a pair of comfortable shoes for two hours of gently rolling bowls along a 1.8 meter wide x 12 meter long mat.
A timber block is placed midway along the mat and the aim of the game is to roll a bowl along the mat, avoiding the block and touching a yellow ball called the “Jack” at the opposite end.
A wooden fender is placed at both ends to keep the bowls from rolling off the mat end.
Nearest bowl to the Jack after 9 ends scores, the more of your bowls closer than your opponent the more you score.
All training and guidance will be provided along with the use of club bowls to get you started.
Once you get going then we have league and cup competitions, friendly individual and group matches along with the opportunity to play other clubs within Kerry.
Sounds simple!!!
Well the only way to find out is to come along and have a go.
First night is free and it’s only a fiver then per night for two hours of fun and learning to play one of the fastest growing indoor sports for all age groups in Ireland.
Milltown bowls club looks forward to seeing you on Tuesday and Friday nights at 8pm.
Milltown Tidy Towns: Volunteers Needed
Join Milltown Tidy Towns – We need your help. Meeting every Thursday at 6.30pm at The Old Milltown Community Hall. This is an opportunity for local businesses, families and anyone with an interest in creating “a sense of place” in Milltown. All welcome, no experience required. Please call Therese on 089-4767279 for further information or log onto Milltown Tidy Towns Facebook page.
Our clothing recycling collection is still happening so we urge you to clean out your wardrobes of all unwanted clothes, sheets, blankets, towels, curtains, shoes etc and drop them to the Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Milltown.
This is a wonderful way of doing your bit for the environment and raising much needed funds for our club at the same time.
Club Merchandise:
Milltown/Castlemaine GAA club gear and merchandise is now available to buy online from the Club Shop.
The Club Shop contains details of the large amount of branded Milltown-Castlemaine & Kerry stock we have available within the club, for immediate delivery, please use the link to check stock levels and sizes.
https://milltowncastlestore.sumupstore.com/
Items for the Club Notes
If you have any items for inclusion in the weekly notes, then please contact the club’s PRO Dara O’Connor on 086 268 8674 before 20:00 on Sundays.
Team Updates
For anyone New to the Area, who would like to get involved with the club, please contact Ian Twiss on 087 252 1053.
Team Enquiries
If you want to join your local club, one of the fastest growing clubs in the county, please contact Ian Twiss on 087 252 1053.
General Enquiries
For any other queries, please send an email to our Secretary or Chairperson at the following addresses:
secretary.milltowncastlemaine.kerry@gaa.ie
or
chairperson.milltowncastlemaine.kerry@gaa.ie
For emergencies, please call 087 409 3530 (Club Mobile Phone).
KERRY FC round out a busy 7-day period with a third game in as many days as we host UCD AFC in Mounthawk Park tomorrow night, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
UCD become the 14th different side to visit Mounthawk Park in both league and cup competitions since the club’s arrival on the scene in 2023.
Kerry come into this one on a relatively poor run of form. Four straight defeats, two at home to Athlone Town and Cork City and two on the road against Bray Wanderers and Longford Town leave Kerry’s eight game unbeaten run feeling like a lifetime ago.
Continued below…
.
A frustrating evening on Monday night away to Longford Town needs to be rectified sooner rather than later.
Conceding two early goals meant Kerry were fighting to salvage a result inside the opening 30 minutes and a similar performance against a side second in the division will see the result go only one way.
But Kerry will be buoyed by a strong performance against Cork City in Mounthawk Park last Friday night, an early penalty the only thing that separated the league leaders from the newcomers seven days ago.
A return to form is very much needed for the Mounthawk faithful and a further string of results could see Kerry move up the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division table.
UCD AFC, who sit second in the table, will look to this game to return to some better form. A surprise defeat on the May Bank Holiday at home to Cobh Ramblers ended the students nine game unbeaten run of results.
The sides have only met on one occasion previously, on a balmy Easter Monday in Belfield. Daniel Okwute’s second-half strike cancelled out Ciaran Behan’s first-half effort and Kerry left the capital with a share of the points.
UCD become the 14th team to make the trip to Mounthawk Park in all competitions against Kerry FC.
Conor McCarthy has reported no fresh injury concerns for the Kerry side ahead of tomorrow night’s game. Andy Spain and Ronan Teahan, who both missed the trip to Longford having limped off against Cork City last Friday will both be assessed ahead of game to see if they can make the match day squad.
Valerii Dolia finally returned from injury and played his first 45 minutes for the club against Longford Town on Monday evening. There are no players on the suspension list for this one.
“Obviously we would love to get a good result on Friday at home,” said Conor McCarthy. “We know UCD are a very good side but we need to put on a big performance and show what we are about.”
“Usually, 9 times out of 10 when we do that we get a positive result and we saw that during the unbeaten run. but it takes a squad effort and a good performance and hopefully, the result can come with that. We don’t fear anyone coming to Mounthawk Park and always fancy our chances at home.”
AN award-winning spoken word poet will make an appearance at Tobar Naofa in Tralee this Friday evening.
Hollie McNish is a poet and author based between Glasgow and Cambridge. She was the first poet to record at Abbey Road Studios, London and won the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry for her poetic parenting memoir – Nobody Told Me.
McNish has made a name as one of the hottest names in spoken word, having shot to prominence through her viral videos. After a run of sold out shows up and down the UK, Hollie McNish is back with a brand new book, ‘Lobster and other things I’m learning to love’.
Continued below…
.
A Sunday Times bestselling writer whose live readings are not to be missed, expect strong language and adult content, gift-wrapped in gorgeously crafted poetry.
In Lobster, Hollie brings her much-loved style to questions of friendship, flags and newborns, clocks and volvos, shining a ridiculous and beautifully poetic lens upon all those things we have been taught to hate, and which we might just learn to love again.
She will be joined in Tralee by fellow poet Michael Pedersen reading from his latest books The Cat Prince and Boy Friends.
This show is suitable for 14+ / book signing after the show. This event is supported by Kerry County Council through their Arts Act Grant. For booking, click here.
.Welcoming the announcement of funding were, front row from left: Josette O’ Mullane – MTU, Dr Siobhán Mac Sweeney – MTU, Liam Lewis – CAPPA, MTU; Brian Cahill, Nimbus, MTU; Tom Fitzmaurice, IMaR, MTU; Mark Whelan, Enterprise Ireland; Dr Tim Yeomans, Shannon ABC, MTU; Karen Coughlan, Southern Regional Assembly; Michael Loftus, MTU. Back row from left; Rachel O’Keefe, Enterprise Ireland; Prof Joseph Walsh, MTU, Prof Hugh McGlynn, MTU, Mike Casey – MTU.
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has announced that it has secured €7.6 million in funding to advance its research activities through the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme until 2029.
The funding is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
The investment of €7.6m is projected to generate 1,660 projects with industry and will benefit several research centres at MTU, including: Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID Gateway (IMaR) & Applied IoT in Tralee; Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis (CAPPA) in Cork; Nimbus Gateway in Cyberphysical Systems and Internet of Things in Cork and Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (MTU) (Shannon ABC) in Tralee.
Continued below…
.
Welcoming this significant funding boost, Professor Maggie Cusack, President of Munster Technological University, said, “This investment will extend MTU’s successful collaborations, driving innovation across the Southwest and connecting businesses with our esteemed research network. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and economic growth.”
Since the inception of the Technology Gateway Programme in 2013, over 4,900 Irish companies have utilised the network, engaging in more than 7,700 innovation projects.
.Tralee Boxing Club is one of many sports club in the county to receive funding.
KERRY sports club and organisations are to receive €1,431,166 in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’).
Some of the Tralee clubs to receive funding are Tralee Bay Swimming and Social Club (for safer swimming and better timing) €9,251; Tralee Boxing Club (Gym Equipment) €38,794; Tralee Pitch & Putt Club (for purchase and upgrade of machinery) €40,000 and Tralee Triathlon Club (Triathlon Sports Equipment) €44,371. (see full list below).
The allocations of €26m nationwide announced today under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme are in response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations submitted.
Continued below…
.
Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an equipment component, will be announced later.
.From Left, Danielle Favier, Roz Purcell and Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
OVER 70 Kerry tourism businesses today attended a special Fáilte Ireland networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney with guest speaker Roz Purcell.
The event was organised by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and Kerry County Council to build collaboration across the tourism industry in the county, encouraging businesses to collaborate and cross-sell to attract visitors and inspire them to explore the county and all it has to offer.
Face-to-face networking sessions with over 300 appointments were facilitated among accommodation providers, visitor attractions and activities to provide them with the opportunity to forge new connections and renew old ones.
Continued below…
.
The meetings focused on how tourism businesses can work together to collectively sell Kerry as exciting destination with a range of things to see and do for all demographics of visitors.
Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way team, Kerry County Council and Kerry Tourism Industry Federation provided the attendees with an update on key future initiatives for the county while media personality Roz Purcell outlined the strength of Kerry’s tourism product and highlighted the variety of attractions and experiences on offer to visitors.
From Left, Fáilte Ireland staff, Gina Biganne, Declan Murphy, Danielle Favier, Josephine O’Driscoll, Don Colbert, Veronica O’Connor at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Speaking from the event, media personality and online influencer Roz Purcell said: “I love any excuse to come visit Kerry, so today’s event was a delight to be a part of. Kerry has so much to offer Irish and international tourists, from adventure, unique stays, great food & character with new businesses constantly popping up, there is always something new to experience on each visit.”
Chair of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF), Pat O’Leary commented: “This unique event brings together tourism businesses from all parts of the county, providing the opportunity to showcase their products to their peers. It is a great example of how all tourism entities can work together as a collective for the benefit of the tourism sector in the county.”
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said: “Kerry County Council recognises the crucial role that the tourism sector plays in the county and the importance of events such as these in providing tourism and hospitality businesses with an opportunity to engage and work with one another to continue to strengthen the tourism offering in the county.” Scroll down for photos…
From Left, Lisa O’Donoghue, Skellig Holiday Homes and Annmarie Morrison, Morrison Outdoor Tours at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.From Left, Laura Tangney, Killarney Jaunting Cars, Annmarie Cleary, Kerry Tour Guide and Louise O’Mahony, Killarney Jaunting Cars at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanFrom Left, Emely Venables, Kery Falconry and John Fleming, Muckross Creamery at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.From Left, Tom Geaney, KTIF, and Emer Corridan, Cahernane Hotel, Killarney at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanFrom Left, Saran Dakshina, Roz Purcell, Pat Falvey, Explorer, Adventurist and Don Colbert, Fáilte Ireland at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.From Left, Helen Barry-O’Connor, Kerry County Council, Roz Purcell and KTIF, Patrick O’Donoghue, CEO Gleneagle Hotel and KTIF, Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanFrom Left, Ed Lacey, Wild Sup Tours, Danielle Favier Fáilte Ireland, Roz Purcell and Declan Murphy, Fáilte Ireland at the Networking event in the Gleneagle Hotel on Wednesday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
.Adon and Avon Thomson Jomy from CBS Primary Tralee.
CHILDREN from CBS Primary School in Tralee are stars of the new season of RTÉjr science series Let’s Find Out!
The show, which is supported by Science Foundation Ireland, came to the school last year to film pairs of children performing their own science experiments and demonstrations.
One of the presenters, Mark Langtry, also visited the school to film a fun quiz with a group of children. The theme for this season is “Protecting Planet Earth” which sees the Tralee children making their own mini greenhouse and planting seeds and recording them growing.
Continued below…
.
Two more students buried some plastic alongside food to compare how they break down. Another pair experimented to test if food can produce a gas that could inflate a balloon. Let’s Find Out! is presented by scientists Amy Hassett and Mark Langtry and stars an alien called Zoom.
CBS Primary Tralee students Ben and Danny Smith who planted seeds for the RTE Jr show Let’s Find Out!
Writer and producer, Mary Murphy from stop.watch productions said “given all the restrictions to filming during the pandemic lockdown, it was brilliant to be able to visit and film with children in their own schools, thanks to a lot of work by the school staff”.
Let’s Find Out: Protecting Planet Earth starts on RTEjr and RTÉ 2 on Monday, May 13th with all episodes streaming after on the RTE Player.
CBS Primary Tralee pupils with Mark Langtry of ‘Let’s Find Out!’Nabila and Alisha Sharif from CBS Primary.
.‘Run With Ray’ comes to Tralee on Monday, May 20.
THE Ray D’Arcy ‘Run With Ray’ 5k series is coming to Tralee later this month.
The popular RTE radio personality will be in town on Monday, May 20 where he will broadcast his show and afterwards take to the Town Park for a run.
They will use the Tralee parkrun route around the Park and all are welcome to come along. The run, which is organised with in conjunction with the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership, takes place at 5.30pm and registration cost €5.
Continued below…
.
Registration includes race entry, number, and exclusive t-shirt – available to collect on the day. For information and booking click on https://www.runwithray.ie/
The run will start from the entrance closest to the Ashe Memorial Hall. The Tralee run is the first in a series of ‘Run With Ray’ runs taking place around the country from May 20 to May 24, with the others in Galway, Athlone, Navan and Dublin.
.New houses will be built north of Cluain Láir at Lohercannon.
THE construction of nearly 90 social housing units at Lohercannon is set to start before the end of 2024.
At last week’s meeting of the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council, Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry. O’Brien asked that the Council would give the members an update on the proposed new development in the Lohercannon area, which will be situated next adjacent to the Cluain Láir estate which opened in late 2022.
Council management said on foot of the secured funding approval, work has been ongoing on the second phase of this proposed housing development which will consist of 89 new homes.
Continued below…
.
The proposed scheme includes the construction of 44 one-bedroom apartments, 15 two-bedroom apartments, 10 two-bedroom houses, five three-bedroom duplex units and 15 three-bedroom houses and all associated siteworks including site clearance, site enclosures, drainage, site services and both hard and soft landscaping.
In terms of location, it is directly behind and to the north of the first phase of the scheme. Archaeological investigation works are scheduled to commence shortly which will involve activity on the site such as stripping of topsoil and assessing the exposed excavations.
It is intended that Phase 2 of the development will enter the Section 179A planning procedure shortly. A briefing meeting for MD members will be held prior to the Public Notice period.
Subject to planning and departmental approval and in the absence of any delays or challenges the development may commence on-site construction by years end.
LABOUR Party Local Election candidate Ben Slimm has announced a commitment to sustainability and road safety by opting not to use corriboard posters in the upcoming election campaign.
Mr Slimm, who is running in the Tralee Electoral Area, cited three reasons for this decision. He said corriboard posters are traditionally used only once and are often discarded afterwards, adding to the mounting issue of plastic waste.
In the face of a global climate emergency, he believes every step toward reducing single-use plastics matters.
Continued below…
.
He also said posters placed on lampposts and poles can obstruct visibility and create potential hazards for pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and other road users.
Also, with a cost of living crisis and rising campaign expenses, he said corriboard posters are an expensive option. He said his campaign will instead focus on direct voter engagement through meeting constituents and digital outreach.
“I believe it’s crucial that our actions align with our values,” says Ben. “By forgoing traditional corriboard posters, I’m taking a stand for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Tralee.”
GARDAI are appealing to the public for information after incidents of theft in Tralee and Banna.
On Monday, May 6, it was reported to Gardaí that a number of power tools to the value of €900 were taken from a farmyard in the Banna area.
They are appealing for any information from Banna residents who may have noticed anything suspicious over the weekend to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066-7102300.
Continued below…
.
Gardaí are also appealing for the public to be on the lookout for a missing bicycle. On Saturday last, a male locked up their mountain bike in Tralee town centre.
The bike is blue and white in colour and has the words ‘invincible’ and ‘vantage’ on the frame. They are asking anyone with information to contact them at Tralee Garda Station at 066-7102300.
GARDAI in Tralee are investigating a break-in to a home last week in the Caherleaheen area just outside the town.
On Wednesday, May 1, at about 10.30am, a house was entered into via a rear window which was broken by the intruder, setting off the burglar alarm. It appears nothing was taken in the incident.
Gardai are appealing for householders in the area who have CCTV on their property to review the footage from Wednesday morning to see if there was any suspicious activity.
Gardaí are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact them at Tralee Garda Station on 066-7102300.
.Andrea Palandri (from Venice, Italy, now living in Baile na bhFionnúrach, Baile na nGall), in the first episode of Taoscadh Ón Tobar.
KERRY will be at the forefront in the first episode of new TG4 series exploring Ireland’s musical heritage.
Leading Irish traditional musicians and singers draw from inspiring archival materials to uncover the stories of some exceptional traditional musicians, singers, collectors, and regions in brand-new series Taoscadh ón Tobar coming to TG4 and TG4.ie.
The Irish Traditional Music Archive’s (ITMA) flagship artistic series ‘Drawing from the Well’ launched in 2020 with the aim of connecting Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers with ITMA’s rich archival material to inspire new works of art.
Continued below…
.
In partnership with TG4, ITMA now bring this concept to the small screen in ‘Taoscadh ón Tobar’ as five new artists uncover the stories of significant musicians, singers, collectors, and regions. Through performances, interviews, and research, they draw from the deep ‘well’ of traditional music.
In episode one to be broadcast this Sunday at 9.30pm, Italian-born fiddle player Andrea Palandri (from Venice, Italy, now living in Baile na bhFionnúrach, Baile na nGall, Co. Kerry), traces the life and music of Sliabh Luachra fiddle master and teacher Pádraig O’Keeffe.
He meets musicians and researchers, including Matt Cranitch (Ballincollig, Co. Cork) and Peter Browne (Blackrock, Dublin), who have followed Pádraig’s life and uncovers previously unheard recordings.
Throughout his journey, Andrea is joined by friends and fellow musicians to perform music associated with O’Keeffe including Clíodhna, Eoin and Cormac Begley (Cuas, Baile na nGall,), Nicky McAullife (Castleisland, Co Kerry), and Aidan Connolly (Templeogue, Dublin).
ROSIE Giles and Alex Maritz of Tralee Rowing Club won the Division 2, Junior 18B Women’s Double Sculls title over 2000m at Skibbereen Grand League Regatta on Saturday, April 27 at the National Rowing Centre, Cork.
The Tralee duo showed composure, cruising steadily through a field of rivals from clubs all over the country.
They closed out the race with a devastating sprint storming past race leaders Shannon Rowing Club to take gold by clear water.
The two athletes have blazed a trail over the last number of years here in North Kerry for young women in the sport of rowing, a combination of power and endurance.
David Moriarty on Kerry FC’s defeat at home to UCD on Friday night…
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, has some flicks to distract you from the Eurovision…
Two Bickering hounds rivalry end up with them being cast adrift on the streets of New York and the adventures they get up to, plus the characters they get involved with is a very inventive and enjoyable romp. However, the twist is that this is now dubbed “as Gaelige”. Well Done TG4!
He likes to live dangerously, so having an affair with the wife of his commanding officer (Ursula Andress) is no surprise, as if fighting on the Western Front was not dangerous enough.
Paddy Considine plays Johnny, an Irish actor who sneaks his wife and family over the border from Canada into the United States with the intention of putting their tragic past behind them and making a fresh start in New York.
Ruben Feffer (Ben Stiller) finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he meets up with, and falls for, former classmate Polly (Jennifer Anniston) who throws his well ordered routine into chaos.
Sorry We Missed You (Saturday 11.50pm RTE1) is Ken Loach’s hard hitting drama that focuses on a debt ridden man whose efforts to improve his family’s finances by becoming a self employed delivery driver only leads to more debt and difficulties.
DARKNESS Into Light Tralee returns this Saturday and will begin once again from the Tralee Bay Wetlands.
GARDAI in Killarney investigating an incident of robbery and assault on a woman aged in her 80s last month, have arrested a man.
GARDAI in Tralee are investigating a break-in to a home last week in the Caherleaheen area just outside the town.
