The weather wasn’t great on Saturday but it’s set to be bit brighter today, so here’s some things to get out and enjoy at Féile na mBláth on Sunday…
1. Visit the Food and Craft village…
Again, you can enjoy the festival gourmet food and craft stalls on the pathways in the Park all day from 10am to 6pm. There’s plenty space to have a picnic too.
2. Bringing history to life…
Taking place from 11am to 5pm, ‘Hands on History’ will see Weapon & Armour displays with Food & Cooking , Spinning, Weaving, Blacksmith, Leatherwork, Basket weaving, Coin Striking, Copper & Silver smiting, Arrow Making, Fletching; learn to play Hnefatafl a Viking Board Game and meet The Viking Witch.
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3. Meet your councillors…
A meet and greet event will be held from 11.30am to 12.30pm in the Kerry Group Marquee to celebrate International Parliamentarism Day Ireland.
This year marks 125 years of continuous local democracy, and it is one of the few members of the Council of Europe to reach this milestone of service to local citizens. 125 years of the sitting of the first County Council in Tralee come meet your newly elected local government representatives.
4. Bring the pooch…
Taking place between 2pm and 3pm, the Dog Show is always a favourite. It’s open to all categories so bring along your furry friends for a lovely afternoon at the event held in association with Animal Help Net Kerry and sponsored by Kellihers Mills. Owners are asked to adhere to laws regarding prescribed breeds.
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5. Watch the big game…
Head along to watch the Kingdom take on the Oak Leaf county in men’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals live from Croke Park.
Taking place in the Kerry Group Marquee, there’s plenty seating and the throw-in is at 3.15pm.
FOR the third year, Tralee will once again host ‘Automobili Italia Tralee’ this September.
Owners of cars, motorbikes or vans, which are of Italian make, can bring them along to the Ballygarry Hotel And Spa car park on Saturday, September 7.
The event has been a great success over the past few years with many different types of sports cars and other vehicles on show.
The event is being organised by a group of car and motoring enthusiasts who love all things Italian. More details will follow in due course. For more information contact 087-4784515.
Ivan Hurley reports on last night’s Airtricity League Of Ireland Division One game at Mounthawk Park last night…
Kerry FC 1-1 Wexford FC
Kerry were back in Mounthawk Park following the summer recess in the League of Ireland season, welcoming the South-Easterners to a wet and windy Tralee on one of the final June nights of the year.
Unseasonable weather aside, a large Kerry contingent packed into Mounthawk Park to see an inform Kerry FC side look to build on 3 wins in a row in their home ground over recent weeks.
In a fiery encounter that produced a number of cards, it could have been anyone’s guess as to where the 3 points were headed in the opening stages. Thomas Oluwa should have had the hosts 1-0 up inside the opening 120 seconds.
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A looping ball over the top of the defence was met by the onrushing attacker, the woodwork coming to Kerry’s rescue early on as his shot whacked the base of the upright.
It took Kerry a number of minutes to settle into the game and could have gone in front after 10 minutes. A lovely weighted free kick by Sean O’Connell was met by the head of Ryan Kelliher at the back post but he nodded it just wide of Moody’s left-hand post.
A number of half chances for both sides continued the half in the same vein. A Nathan Gleeson cross on 20 minutes was nearly met by an onrushing Kennedy Amechi, but the ball was just behind him on this occasion.
Headers from Ethan Boyle and Kian Corbally came close for the visitors, keeping Kerry honest throughout the opening half. One of the last chances of the half once again fell to Amechi. He hit a low driving shot at Moody who saved well.
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The rebound fell to Kelliher whose shot was deflected behind for a corner. So the sides went in scoreless at the break, leaving supporters scratching their heads as to how nobody managed to find the breakthrough in the opening 45.
But fans didn’t have long to wait for the opening goal of the night. McCarthy was dispossessed in the middle of the park allowing Mickie Rowe time to look up.
He played a neat pass down the wing to Oluwa who used all his pace to shrug off Kos and score a well-worked goal for the side pushing for a playoff spot. O’Sullivan got down well but could do nothing in a one-on-one situation.
But Kerry responded well to going one behind. Amechi came close with a speculative effort from 30 yards. Moody was at full stretch but the ball agonisingly went just to the wrong side of the far post. In an end-to-end encounter, Ethan Boyle came close moments later, O’Sullivan gathering his tame effort at the near post.
It’s hard to know how Kerry didn’t equalise in the 60th minute. Some pinball in the box and last-gasp defending from Wexford as they somehow managed to keep the ball out of the net.
The referee waved away any potential handball calls from the Kerry players, booking Kevin Williams in the process for his appeals.
Just 10 minutes later, William’s was heading for an early shower as a tangle in the middle of the park with Oluwa saw the right back pick up a second yellow. An uphill task for Kerry to salvage a point with 20 minutes to go.
But to be fair to the Kingdom, they looked the most likely to score following the red card. Kelliher came close on the 75th minute, his shot was dragged just wide of the post while 3 minutes later, Okwute’s shot across goal just needed someone to tap it home at the back post.
A mix up at the back between Andy Spain and Aaron O’Sullivan led to Dobbs being in one-on-one but the Wexford attacker dragged his effort just wide of the mark.
Up the other end, Daniel Okwute did well to find himself in a one-on-one situation of his own but Moody did really well to save with his outstretched legs.
As the 4th Official indicated 7 additional minutes, hopes of a result were beginning to fade for the home faithful. But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Okwute found himself in possession on the left-hand side and his low cross was belted home by Ryan Kelliher, the Killarney man netting his 4th goal in 3 games for Kerry.
So a dramatic end sees Kerry share the spoils with 10 men against a Wexford side who left Mounthawk Park thinking ‘what if’.
The second of two Thursday night fixtures in 2024 sees the Kingdom make the long journey to the North West to take on Finn Harps in county Donegal, with kick-off at 19:45.
KERRY FC: Aaron O’Sullivan, Kevin Williams, Andy Spain, Ethan Kos, Seán O’Connell, Ronan Teahan, Dáire McCarthy, Seán McGrath, Nathan Gleeson, Ryan Kelliher, Kennedy Amechi Subs: Daniel Okwute for N Gleeson, 60, Samuel Aladesansui for S McGrath, 77, Cian Brosnan for S O’Connell, 83
WEXFORD FC: Alex Moody, Reece Webb, Carl Lennox, Seán McHale, James Crawford, Kian Corbally, Ethan Boyle, Darragh Levingston, Mikie Rowe, Thomas Oluwa, Cian Curtis Subs: Aaron Dobbs for C Curtis, 59, Mark Hanratty for K Corbally, 76, Luka Lovic for M Rowe, 76, Aaron Robinson for T Oluwa, 81
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Ciara O’Gorman, Development Manager with South Munster Citizens Information Service outlines the supports currently available for carers.
“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 carers, as they consider their work as part of an unspoken promise to be there for loved ones when they need them.
“Today I hope to give people a quick overview of what is available for carers so that they can get in contact with their local Citizens Information Centre to get more details.”
The two main social welfare payments for carers providing full-time care are Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit. You may also qualify for an annual Carer’s Support Grant.
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Carer’s Benefit
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.
Carer’s Allowance
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. If you need a hand filling out the form, please call your local CIC where staff will be happy to help.”
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Full Time Care
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.
Ciara elaborates “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 and their 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” advises Ciara and the carer 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.
“The time spent providing care must not be less than 35 hours per week and if you are away, you must be able to arrange full-time care for the person you care for.”
Carer’s Leave
You do not have to give up your job if you are applying for Carer’s Benefit. Carer’s leave allows employees to leave work temporarily or reduce their hours 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” warns Ciara.
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.
If you have a complaint or dispute with your employer over carer’s leave, you should raise it with your employer first. If you cannot resolve the issue directly with your employer, you can make a formal complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Working Whilst Caring
“We are often asked if a carer can do any paid work while on Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance?” says Ciara. “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.
Changes to Carer’s Allowance in 2024
From June 2024, the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will increase to €450 for a single person and €900 for a couple.
If you currently get a reduced rate of Carer’s Allowance due to your means, your payment may increase from 6 June 2024. Your payment will be automatically adjusted to reflect the new income disregard, so you don’t need to re-apply.
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, or €100,000 if you’re in a couple. Any payment from the Department of Social Protection is not included in the means test.
Also, 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
Rates of Payment
Carer’s Benefit is €249 per week if caring for one person and €373.50 if caring for two people. Carer’s Allowance is €248 per week if caring for one person and €372, if caring for two people. You can also get a child increase if you have a qualified child and the Carer’s Allowance goes to a higher rate when you are aged over 66.
Half-Rate Carer’s Allowance
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.
Annual Carer’s Support Grant
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid to carers once a year by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). It used to be called the Respite Care Grant. The Carer’s Support Grant is €1,850 and 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. “You can apply for this payment even if you are not receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit” and this is a key point that a lot of people are not aware of” says Ciara.
You can apply for a Carer’s Support Grant for any given year from April of that year until 31 December of the following year e.g. you can apply for the Carer’s Support Grant for 2024 at any time from April 2024 up until 31 December 2025.
Living Arrangements
“A lot of people think that you have to live with the person you are caring for but this is not the case” says Ciara.
“Non-resident care situations may require investigation by a Social Welfare Inspector before a decision can be made by the Deciding Officer. A direct system of communication must exist between the carer’s residence and that of the care recipient and this may be a telephone or alarm-type system. One last point to note is that the care recipient must not already be receiving full-time care and attention within his or her own residence from another person.”
Additional Supports
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.
If you would like more information about any of the issues covered here, please contact your local CIC. Staff will discuss your current circumstances with you and make you aware how the various schemes apply to your personal circumstances so you can fully consider 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 information you need to make an informed choice.
Deirdre Vann Bourke, Kerry Citizens Information Manager, said: 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.
WHILE most Kerry fans in town are unlikely to make their way to Dublin on Sunday to watch the big game, an alternative for families is a trip to the Town Park during Féile na mBláth.
The Festival organisers are putting a big screen in the Kerry Group Marquee and invite families to come down to cheer on the green and gold against Derry in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals.
There’ll be loads of seating available and with vendors right outside the tent you can enjoy plenty of food and drink while watching the big game which starts at 3.15pm.
While there’s a few showers forecast for this morning, the afternoon should brighten up, so here’s some things to get out and enjoy at Féile na mBláth on Saturday…
1. Have a blooming lovely time…
Tralee Flower & Garden Club presents a festival of colour with decorative wild and cut flower classes in the special Flower tent. It’s well worth a visit to see the remarkable creations between 10am and 5.30pm
2. Have a bite and a browse…
Again, you can enjoy the festival gourmet food and craft stalls on the pathways in the Park all day from 10am to 7pm. There’s plenty space to have a picnic too.
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3. Fun for the kids…
As well as mini-roundabouts and bouncy castles, kids can run away with the Circus for an afternoon by learn how to spin plates, have a go at a diablo and more at the circus juggling workshop in the Marquee from 12noon to 1pm and 2pm to 3pm.
After that kids can join Mr Boom and Madame Bouger in the Drum Dance Workshop, an interactive show with lots of fun drumming and get a chance to learn some cool African rhythms, songs and dance moves. That’s from 1pm to 2pm and 3pm to 4pm.
4. Witness history…
Join over 30 reenactors from Déise Medieval in their tented village manned by experienced re-enactors from around Ireland at Park Plaza in the Park. All participants will dress, live and work in an authentic recreation of Viking life. It takes place from 10am to 5pm.
There’ll also be 20 minute demos of combat tactics, individual combat displays along with a full Melee battle to defend Tralee against new invaders at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm.
Speaking of history, ‘The Last Prince’ is a living history event with Mediaeval reenactors at the Kerry County Museum, interacting with the public with mediaeval games and activities for all the family to enjoy. This takes place from 11am to 4pm.
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5. Bands on the run…
Join the St. Johns Pipes & Drums Tralee and other visiting Munster bands promoting the culture of piping and drumming as they make their way from the Ashe Hall to The Mall at 4pm.
There will also be performances at pre-designated times throughout the afternoon from bands and the public can also get involved and try their hand with band instrument at the Rose Circle in the Park.
6. And finally…
The day ends with a treat for trad music and Irish dancing lovers in the Kerry Group Marquee. With music by Uí Bhriain, join the Kerry Dancers Set Dancing Club for an evening of Irish Set & Céilí Dancing from young to old and beginners to professionals. It’s on from 9pm to 11.30pm. See full programme below…
Sport still dominates the home channels today, but there are some interesting film offerings on display says our movie guy, James Finnegan…
Two years on from capsizing an ocean liner in ‘The Poseidon Adventure’, Producer Irwin Allen gathered another group of well know acting talent in The Towering Inferno (Saturday 1.40pm RTE1) and literally lights a match under them.
Why base a film on one novel, when you can use two, specifically “The Tower” by Richard Martin Stern and “The Glass Inferno” by Thomas N. Scortia and Frank M Robertson. The film includes characters and situations from both.
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Doug Roberts (Paul Newman), an architect has designed the world’s tallest building. However, he is concerned that his wiring specifications may not have been fully followed to save money. Then fire breaks out in the building……oh oh!
Intrepid Fire Chief Mike O’Halloran (Steve McQueen) and his men do their utmost against desperate odds to fight the fire way higher than their equipment can hope to reach. Indeed the film is dedicated to fire fighters everywhere.
Meanwhile, famous faces William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Susan Blakely, Richard Chamberlain, Robert Vaughan, Robert Wagner and Fred Astaire demonstrate the best and worst of human characters in a desperate fight for survival.
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Toby Jones heads the cast of Zoo(Saturday 6.35pm RTE One), a truly heart warming family drama set amidst the 1941 German air raids on Belfast.
Based on a true story of a larger than life friendship, twelve year old Tom (Art Parkinson) is the son of the Belfast Zoo veterinarian.
As the Belfast Blitz rains down on the city, a lonely widow, Tom and his band of misfit friends take an elephant called Buster from the city zoo, and hide it in the widows terraced house back yard.
Written and Directed by Colin McIvor, the film also stars Penelope Wilton, Ian McElhinney and Amy Huberman.
Liesi Tommy’s Biopic Respect (Saturday 9.30pm RTE1) charts the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in the church choir to her international fame.
After facing various setbacks in her singing career, the rise to success is gradual, and not helped as she is pulled towards alcoholism as well as suffering harrowing sexual abuse.
Franklin chose Jennifer Hudson to play her in the film, and it proved to be an inspired choice as Hudson gives a powerful performance. R-E-S-P-E-C-T indeed!
Finally, a romantic comedy drama rounds off the evening with Hello, My Name is Doris(Saturday 9.45 TG4). It stars Sally Field as Doris, a lonely sixty year old officer worker, who takes a self help seminar following the death of her mother.
Doris is inspired to be more open, and she is inspired to romantically pursue a decades-younger co – worker John (Max Greenfield). Enjoy!
.At the opening of Féile na mBláth on Friday in the Town Park were Bridget O’Riordan of Kerry County Council; Eamon Cunningham, Tralee MD Officer; Minister Norma Foley; Deputy Mayor Terry O’Brien; Cllr Angie Baily; Cllr Anne O’Sullivan, Cllr Deirdre Ferris and Sandra Leahy of Kerry County Museum. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE weather held out (for the most part) this afternoon as Féile na mBláth returned to the Town Park.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Terry O’Brien performed the official opening in the Kerry Group Marquee kicking off a weekend of family entertainment.
There was music in the marquee from Music Generation Kerry musicians while outside representatives from Tralee Library handed out free children’s books, encouraging kids to join the Summer Stars reading programme.
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The Flower Tents contained amazing floral creations, including many using fruit as an imaginative decoration.
There were food and craft stalls all along the pathway with families enjoying a bite to eat on the benches. A fun first day then and much more to come on Saturday and Sunday. Scroll down for photos…
Vera O’Connell and Siobhan Clancy in the Flower Tent. Photo by Dermot CreanTeresa Harney and Veronica Lynch of Tralee Library handing out free books of children at Féile na mBláth on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Kathleen Ambrose with her floral creation in the Flower Tent. Photo by Dermot CreanAnne Abrahams with Estelle Ambrose and her ‘Let’s Go Party’ Barbie floral creation in the Flower Tent. Photo by Dermot Crean.Vera O’Connell with her ‘Good Enough To Eat’ floral creation in the Flower Tent. Photo by Dermot CreanVera O’Connell’s ‘Good Enough To Eat’ floral creation containing peppers and chillis cut into floral shapes.One of the floral creations in the Flower Tent. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Members of the Cassie Leen Dance Company at Shannon Airport before heading to Blackpool.
THERE was dance fever at Shannon Airport this week as the Cassie Leen Dance Company from Tralee arrived at the airport ahead of their trip to Blackpool, UK, to compete in the World Dance Championships.
The troupe of 28 dancers hail from Tralee and Listowel and are aged between 3 and 18 years old. Ahead of their departure, they treated other passengers to some free style moves as excitement for the competition ramped up.
Over the weekend, the group will compete in competitions, attend workshops and enjoy polishing up on their skills at social dancing and live music events at the annual competition.
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Speaking at Shannon Airport ahead of their flight, Cassie Leen, owner of The Cassie Leen Dance Company said the group were excited to be embarking on this adventure, with it being the first time competing for many of their young dancers.
Wishing the group well, Niall Kearns, Shannon Airport Director said: “There was great excitement in Shannon Airport as the Cassie Leen Dance Company danced their way through Departures. On behalf of all the team here at the airport, we are wishing them the very best of luck at the competition this weekend and look forward to welcoming them back to Shannon, where they will hopefully have some silverware in tow!”
.Mayor of Tralee Cllr Mikey Sheehy pictured in June 2022 when he was elected Mayor for the first time.
THE new Mayor of Tralee has made the progression of the new chemotherapy unit at UHK one of his priorities during his tenure as first citizen of the town for the next year.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Mikey Sheehy was elected Mayor at a meeting of Tralee Municipal District councillors on Friday morning at Council Buildings.
Mayor Sheehy — who couldn’t attend the meeting in person — was proposed by his newly elected party colleague Cllr Anne O’Sullivan and seconded by Outgoing Mayor Cllr Terry O’Brien.
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This is Cllr Sheehy’s second time in the position having previously been elected as Mayor in June of 2022. Outgoing Mayor Cllr Terry O’Brien will be the Deputy Mayor, having been proposed by Fine Gael Cllr Angie Baily and seconded by Mayor Sheehy.
Speaking to fellow councillors via audio link, Mayor Sheehy said he was very proud to be elected Mayor. He said his foremost priority was helping to progress the new chemotherapy unit at UHK, which is scheduled to be completed in two years.
Mayor Sheehy said the delivery of more housing for the town was another priority. He said much had been done in that respect over the past number of years by the Council, but more was needed.
He said Tralee was more than just a beautiful town, it was a hub of opportunity, education and culture. Mayor Sheehy said that as a university town, Tralee is in a position to attract students, professionals and visitors from Ireland and abroad. He said we can showcase the town as a great place to live, work and visit.
Gardaí are investigating a suspected fatal assault on a male that occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 28 in Castleisland.
At approximately 12:30am, Gardaí and emergency services received a report of an unresponsive male with serious injuries outside a residence at An Caislean Mor in Castleisland.
The man, aged in his 40s, was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The body remains at the scene.
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The offices of the State Pathologist have been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place later today.
A man in his 40s has been arrested as part of this investigation and he is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Co. Kerry.
The scene at An Caislean Mor is currently preserved for technical examination and an investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí with this investigation is asked to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
.At the launch of the Blennerville Horse and Pony Agricultural Show were Tim Hurley, Joan Devane, John Browne, Anne Smith, Michelle Smith, Jill Moffatt, Sinead Walsh. Photo by Dermot Crean
MEMBERS of the Blennerville Horse and Pony Agricultural Show committee got together at Gallys Bar and Restaurant on Thursday evening to launch of the 43rd edition of the show.
The show will take place on Sunday July 14, and will be the third show to be held in the new showgrounds in Ballymacthomas, Ballymacelligott.
Building on the success of previous shows, this year will see Ponies, Horses, Cattle, and Sheep compete in their respective classes as well as a Dog Show, Bonny Baby competition, Baking competition and colouring contest.
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Tim Hurley, Chairperson of the Blennerville Show Committee, said; “We’re very excited to be holding our show in Tralee again this year and look forward to welcoming people of all ages to take part and enjoy the festivities.”
“We’ve learned a lot from our last two years in these showgrounds, and will be making some big improvements, including increases the size of warm-up rings, better access to the showgrounds and improved traffic management. We’re extremely grateful to all who have supported our show throughout the years and look forward to another great day out.”
The show will open from 9am on Sunday fortnight and will include entertainment and fun for all the family. As well as the competitive events, there will be stalls for local vendors, bouncy castles and children’s entertainment and a visit from some of the furry residents of Sandy Feet Farm.
.Aine Quinn receives a beautiful painting at a retirement celebration held for her at St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Also included is past teacher Helen Sugrue, , Principal Robbie O’Connell, Deputy Principal Louise Brassil, former Principal Michael O’Connor and former teacher Liz O’Connor. Photo by Dermot Crean
FEW members of staff have touched the lives of pupils and staff at St Brendan’s NS in Blennerville in such a positive way as Áine Quinn.
The Tralee native has spent nearly 30 years nurturing pupils at the school, but that all comes to an end this week with Áine’s retirement.
To mark the occasion, the school community gathered in the hall on Thursday morning to celebrate the impact she has made on everyone associated with the school.
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Originally from Ard Na Lí in Oakpark, Aine qualified as a teacher from Mary Immaculate College in 1985 and subbed in various schools for a number of years before getting the call from then Principal of Blennerville NS, Michael O’Connor, in 1996.
She started out teaching junior and senior infants — at a time when the school was much smaller — before changing roles to become the support teacher in October 2002, where she excelled over the years.
Áine has become an integral part of the school over the past 30 years, as current Principal Robbie O’Connell affirmed.
Aine Quinn with her son Conor Cleary and John and Eilish Cleary at a retirement celebration held for her at St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
“Since Áine came here, the impact has been immense. Her forte was nurturing, caring and establishing a connection, not only with pupils she worked directly with, but that extended to all pupils and the staff. She’ll be an immense loss. Her expertise and the pastoral role she played in the school was second to none,” he said.
Guests at the celebration included former teachers Liz O’Connor and Helen Sugrue, former Principal Michael O’Connor, family and friends.
After a wonderful tribute from Robbie O’Connell, some pupils read out their tributes to Áine from the stage and she was later given a present of those many tributes from students and staff in book form at the end of the ceremony, along with a beautiful painting.
Áine gave a speech where she described how she loved teaching in Blennerville and how much she will miss everyone.
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“I’m so lucky Mike [O’Connor] made that phone call in 1996 and I got to come to Blennerville. It’s one of the best things to happen to me. I’ve been so lucky to be part of the school.
“Blennerville is a very special school. It’s the whole community — we have fabulous kids, lovely parents who work with us and as for the staff…wow. Everyone that’s joined since I came has added something to the school. They are my second family. We have been through so much together over her years and we’ve minded each other. That’s the best thing about Blennerville, we mind each other and that’s so important. I’ve had the best time here,” said Áine.
As for retirement, Áine plans to do a bit of travelling — visiting her daughter Niamh, who is a physio in London and son Conor who works in Belfast — having lots of walks in Fenit, taking part in choir and toastmasters activities and spending time with friends. Enjoy your well-earned retirement Áine! Scroll down for photos…
Aine Quinn with Denise Shanahan and pupils at a retirement celebration held for her at St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean.Aine Quinn with, from left; Lillian McMahon, Deirdre O’Brien, Conor Cleary, John Cleary, Eilish Cleary, Eileen Hegarty and Marie Hill at a retirement celebration held for her at St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanAine Quinn receives a lovely memento of tributes from staff and pupils from Principal Robbie O’Connell at a retirement celebration held for her at St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean.Aine Quinn with pupils and guests at a retirement celebration held for her at St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanPupils and guests at a retirement celebration held for Aine Quinn St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Feile na mBlath kicks off on Friday in the Town Park and continues until Sunday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Three days of fun for all the family kicks off today when Féile na mBláth returns to the Town Park and surrounding area. Here’s a few things to get up to….
1. Peruse the food and craft stalls…
From 12 noon, a food and craft village will deliver delicious food while they’ll be loads of craft stalls to browse up to 7pm.
2. Watch the official opening…
Come along to meet the new Mayor of Tralee, elected on Monday morning, and all of the recently elected public representatives, at the official festival launch at 2pm.
Taking place at the Kerry Group Marquee in the Town Park, there will be music by the Street Performers Of Tralee and Music Generation Kerry Traditional Group. There’ll also be complimentary refreshments.
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3. Parade fun…
The ‘Creatable Inflatable Parade’ will make its way from the town centre to the Town Park from 3.30pm. Join them for some walkabout silliness and tomfoolery guaranteed to be full of hot air and hairspray.
4. Movie night for the kids…
Friday’s fun finishes with a screening of ‘Matilda The Musical (Singalong)’ which will take place at the Kerry Group Marquee from 7pm to 9pm.
Entry is €5, but this is redeemable against food stalls operating for the Cinema night. There are prizes for best dressed Matilda, Trunchbull and Miss Honey. To book tickets click here.
.MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, at the launch of MTU’s Cyber Innovate initiative in Cork City Gaol in February. Photographer: Darragh Kane
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has today announced 14 new roles in research management and administration under the Technological Universities Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) programme.
Earlier this year, MTU received €14.6 million in funding under TU RISE and the new posts will form a key part of MTU’s Research-to-Impact initiative.
MTU is recruiting research and innovation professionals with targeted skills in key areas, who will work with world-class researchers on cutting-edge projects to deliver the highest standards of research impact.
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The various roles on offer include funding and impact coordinators, training coordinators, legal and finance specialists, and an enterprise liaison officer.
Over the course of the 4-year TU RISE project, MTU will also increase its researcher capacity with the introduction of 18 funded PhD studentships, 8 funded Research Master’s and 25 postdoctoral research leaders, in association with industry and community partners, to drive strategic research with impact.
President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack, said, “We are delighted to be expanding our research capabilities at MTU. These roles will be instrumental in the University furthering its aim to deliver impactful, world-leading research. Not only will these roles benefit the research community across MTU’s six campuses, they will also have a positive impact across the Southwest Region, Ireland and further afield.”
This is the first of a number of recruitment campaigns that MTU will run as part of the TU RISE programme. The jobs will be announced on a phased basis. For more information, seeMTU Career Vacancies.
The Kingdom are back in action tomorrow evening in Mounthawk Park as the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division rumbles back into action after a well-deserved summer recess.
Wexford FC are the visitors to Mounthawk Park for Matchday 22 and there is a 19:45 kick-off for this one.
The break was cut short for Kerry FC who were back in action on Monday evening. A Munster Senior Cup Final defeat for McCarthy’s charges will be a tough one to bounce back from, but it almost felt like bonus territory for the Kingdom who reached the final in their first year in the competition.
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No cup on this occasion, but plenty of experience was gained by the players and supporters in Turners Cross.
So it’s a return to league action tomorrow evening and a return home for Kerry FC who have been fruitful of late in Tralee. 3 wins in the last 3 at home for Kerry have seen the kingdom reach 18 points in the league and in a much stronger position than this time last year.
Wins against Finn Harps, Treaty United and Longford Town have given the home crowd plenty to cheer about in recent weeks and Kerry sits 6th on the home form table in the league.
So it’s the South Easterners coming to town on Friday with a point to prove, having left Mounthawk Park last time out with just a point.
A poor run of form has seen the Wexicans winless since Kerry travelled to Ferrycarrig Park on the 17th of May, managing just two draws in that time.
You’d have to go back to April to find Wexford’s last victory on the road. But the ability to eke out results has been key to Wexford’s success in 2024 as they sit just 4 points off the playoff spots with a game in hand.
Four home wins for Kerry FC in 2024 has been a club-record return. In fact, 14 of Kerry’s 18 points to date have been secured in Mounthawk Park. Conor McCarthy and his squad have made the Tralee venue a difficult place to come and secure points.
Conor McCarthy will have to access some members of the panel ahead of this one. We saw Daniel Okwute exit the Munster Senior Cup Final at the interval and his condition is unknown.
Valerii Dolia also remains a doubt following his injury in the warm-up against Longford Town. Kennedy Amechi returned to action with 45 minutes on Monday night.
“No matter what form Wexford are in, they are always a tough team to take on, both at home and away,” said Conor McCarthy. “I’m under no illusions about the challenge we face but we’ve worked hard on the training pitch and if we play to our strengths we have another great chance of a result here.”
.Mags O’Sullivan with her certificate awarded after swimming the Straits of Gibraltar.
A LOCAL woman has completed an impressive achievement by swimming the Straits of Gibraltar.
On Monday, June 17, Mags O’Sullivan was offered an opportunity to swim the Straits, after a long wait of seven years.
“I had just turned 60 a few weeks prior to this so this was a wonderful birthday present to get and I was over the moon,” said Mags, who works as General Manager of the Aqua Dome.
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For 21 days prior to this date, swimmers had not been permitted to swim the Straits of Gibraltar due to adverse weather conditions, so Mags considered herself lucky to be afforded the opportunity.
“Although I had booked to swim a solo crossing there was another swimmer second on the list waiting to swim so we agreed to share this weather window and swim together,” said Mags. “His name was Javier Vázquez Díaz-Mayordomo a 46 years old Spaniard from Madrid and I was blessed to have him accompany me across the Straits.”
Mags O’Sullivan with fellow swimmer Javier Vázquez Díaz-Mayordomo.
“Swimming the Gibraltar Strait with Javier was very special as I found swimming alongside him very comforting and I was able to relax into the swim from the word go. We left Tarifa Island in the southern part of Spain at 7:30am and landed in Morocco after a total time of 4 hours and 43 minutes covering a total distance of 15’1 kilometers.”
“We were supported during the swim with the team from ACNEG who were at all times professional and safety conscious,” added Mags.
“This swim was indeed a team effort and its success was due to the commitment from everyone on the team at ACNEG along with support from family and friends. Thanks to everyone who made this dream a possibility for me and for the Straits of Gibraltar for allowing me to swim it!” concluded Mags.
THIS year’s Féile na mBláth at the Park Festival begins this Friday and continues until Sunday evening with a host of activities in the Town Park and surrounding area.
Thanks to Kerry County Council – Tralee Municipal District, entry to the festival and its events will once again be 100% free (see full programme below).
The opening of the festival will take place on the Friday following the election of the new Mayor of Tralee in the Chamber buildings. There will be an afternoon of music and food with a ‘Matilda the Musical Sing-a-long’ Cinema evening in the Kerry Group Marquee to celebrate the start of the school holidays.
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Some of the highlights include Déise Medieval with over thirty warriors and reenactors with their tented village which will be manned by experienced reenactors from around Ireland.
Saturday is the United Nationals ‘Tropics Day’ and a host of activities are planned for all the family to get involved with including the weekly Park Runs, Flower Demonstrations by Tralee Flower & Garden Club, Emergency Services, Juggling workshops, Drum Circles, Pipe Band Performances and a ‘Creatable Inflatable Parade’ rounding off the evening with an evening of Set and Céilí Dancing until late.
Sunday morning will kick off with the traditional morning Mass followed by Music Generation Kerry & Sempre Strings. The Festival will celebrate International Parliamentarism Day with a chance for the public to meet and chat with your newly elected Councillors in the Tralee LEA.
The Traditional Dog Show takes place later in the afternoon and of course the centrepiece of Féile na mBláth is the Tralee Flower & Garden Club Competitions in the Flower Marquee with the Prizegiving later Sunday evening.
Daily visitors to the festival are being encouraged to Cycle, Park ‘N’ Charge along with being conscious to re-cycling and reuse when travelling to, from and while at the Festival.
There will be the traditional Food and Craft Stalls as well as Art in the Park, Tralee Community Garden workshops and Meitheal, free entry to Kerry County Museum with a presentation of ‘The Last Prince’, Bouncy Castles, Small Kids Amusements and much more.
Further information on all events can be seen on www.festivaltralee.com or the Festivals Facebook Page @parkfestivaltralee. See full programme below…
.Pictured at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ with Fiona Doyle, International Personal Stylist / B.Ed President Network Ireland Limerick, in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th) were: Linda O’Callaghan (CSG), Brid O’Connor (CSG), Aisling Foley (The Rose Hotel) and Roisin Smullen (MTU). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
NETWORK Ireland Kerry hosted their first anniversary in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney as they welcomed members to enjoy an evening of celebration and networking.
President of Network Ireland Kerry, Linda O’Mahony Logan, acknowledged in her remarks how the ongoing support and participation of the members has enabled the group to become one of the most significant business network groups in Kerry in just one year.
The evening was hosted by committee member Róisín Smullen, MTU, who curated an excellent selection of speakers for the evening.
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The event opened with a masterclass from Fiona Doyle, International Personal Stylist, on “The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success”. Fiona is also President of Network Ireland Limerick.
James Finnegan of TedX, Tralee announced an exciting partnership with Network Ireland Kerry and TedX where he presented the opportunity and challenge to all present to put themselves forward as a TedX speaker.
James Finnegan (TEDx Tralee) pictured speaking to a packed room at ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
James and his team will be providing a training programme to assist those who raise their hand for this incredible opportunity.
Emma Early Murphy National Ex Officio and Network Ireland President 2023, had a welcome return to Kerry, when she spoke at the event. It was during her tenure as National President that she formally launched Network Ireland Kerry in June 2023, when Kerry became the seventeenth branch of Network Ireland.
There was a fantastic representation from other branches on the evening that included, Sandra Maybury, President of Network Ireland West Cork, Network Ireland Waterford was represented by President Sinead O’ Neill and 2023 President Mailo Power. Limerick was also represented by Vice President Eve Stafford and Galway was represented by Suzanne Ryan 2023 President.
The evening was not only a great networking opportunity but also a wonderful social event, and those attending were treated to wonderful music by Lily Mac Monagle.
On August 30th Network Ireland Kerry will co-host a coffee morning with their chosen charity partner, Recovery Haven.
This will take place at Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer support House where members of Network Ireland Kerry will be welcomed into their centre to gain a greater understanding of the caring and therapeutic services provided to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers. Scroll down for photos…
Joan Walsh (Partnership International), Linda O’Mahony Logan (Leadership360 and President of the Kerry branch of Network Ireland) and Emma Early Murphy, pictured on Thursday evening last (June 20th) with Roisin Smullen (MTU) in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Linda O’Callaghan (CSG), Antoinette O’Shea, Breeda O’Sullivan (LEO), and Fiona Leahy (LEO) pictured on Thursday evening last (June 20th) in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyNetwork Ireland Kerry committee members Anita Michalak (The Digital Talk), Eimear Mc Donnell (Match Marketing), Brigeen O’Sullivan (Match Marketing), Antoinette Glavin (Glavin & Wiseman Chartered Accountants), Joan Walsh (Partnership International), Linda O’Mahony Logan (Leadership360 and President of the Kerry branch of Network Ireland), Helen O’Sullivan (O’Sullivan’s Bakery), Emily Reen (MTU), Roisin Smullen (MTU) and Aisling Foley (The Rose Hotel) enjoyed ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Marian McCarthy (Premier Bookkeeping) pictured on Thursday evening last (June 20th) with Roisin Smullen (MTU) in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyAmy McGillicuddy (Birth & Postpartum Doula) pictured with Fiona Doyle, International Personal Stylist / B.Ed President Network Ireland Limerick, and Sharon McGillicuddy (Lacuna Assist) in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th) at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Marietta Cronin and Kerry Brady pictured in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th) at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyEimear Mc Donnell (Match Marketing), Anita Michalak (The Digital Talk) and Brigeen O’Sullivan (Match Marketing) pictured on Thursday evening last (June 20th) in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney, at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Guest Speaker Fiona Doyle, International Personal Stylist / B.Ed President Network Ireland Limerick pictured with Suzanne Ryan on Thursday evening last (June 20th) at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyPictured on Thursday evening at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ with Fiona Doyle, International Personal Stylist / B.Ed President Network Ireland Limerick, in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday last (June 20th), were: Sinead O’Neill (President Network Ireland Waterford), Mailo Power (Waterford Network Ireland), Joan Walsh (Partnership International), Emma Early Murphy, Edel Lawlor, Fiona Doyle and Suzanne Ryan. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Timmy Dowd pictured with his partner Roisin Smullen (MTU) who was MC at the Network Ireland Kerry June event ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ on Thursday evening last (June 20th) in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyHelen O’Sullivan (O’Sullivan’s Bakery), Brigeen O’Sullivan (Match Marketing), Linda O’Mahony Logan (Leadership360 and President of the Kerry branch of Network Ireland), Breda Dwyer (MTU), Jacqueline Gavaghan (MTU) and Denise Healy (Castel Education) had a lovely evening at ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Fiona Doyle, International Personal Stylist / B.Ed President Network Ireland Limerick, pictured speaking to a packed room at ‘The Impact of Self Image on your Well-being & Success’ in The Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Thursday evening last (June 20th). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.
KERRY County Council, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, are continuing the clockwise traffic management system for visitors on Slí Cheann Sléibhe (Slea Head) during the peak visitor season, from Friday, June 28 to Friday, September 13.
A Kerry County Council employee will be positioned each day from 10.30am to 4pm at Com Dhíneol to encourage larger vehicles that are driving in the incorrect direction to follow the correct route. Directional signage advising of the clockwise system will be erected locally.
Visitors will be urged to follow the recommended route from the outset resulting in a more pleasant journey, ensuring time to relax and enjoy the magnificent views, attractions, history, and culture in this magnificent part of Kerry.
.Denis Cronin, Bernie Cronin, Alex O’Connor and John O’Connor from DSI Kerry branch with Paul Sheridan, founder and organiser of Tour de Munster, and cycling legend Sean Kelly, pictured at the official launch of the 24th annual Tour de Munster, in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Munster branches. Photo: Brian Arthur
THE 24th annual edition of the Tour de Munster charity cycle was officially launched by cycling legend Seán Kelly at Limerick’s Plassey House, on Monday.
The popular Tour which takes place from August 8th to August 11th will see amateur cyclists travel 600km across the six counties of Munster in efforts to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
The cyclists will arrive in Tralee on Friday, August 11 during the late afternoon when they pay a visit to Down Syndrome Kerry’s centre at Balloonagh Estate.
They will overnight at The Rose Hotel before heading off on a scenic cycle to west Kerry, onto Killarney via Castlemaine and ending stage 3 in Kenmare where they will stay on Saturday night.
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The 24th Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle will contribute to the national charity for its 15th consecutive year. Since its inception in 2000, the Tour de Munster has raised a staggering €5 million for the Munster branches of DSI.
All of the money raised from Tour de Munster will help to provide the crucial support and services offered by DSI Munster branches to their members.
Such vital services include Speech and Language Therapy, Employment Opportunity, Occupational Therapy and other life enhancing aid to people with Down syndrome and their families.
.Conor Ryan with parents Paul and Lisa Ryan at the St Brendan’s NS Blennerville Graduation on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
FAMILIES arrived in glorious sunshine to St Brendan’s NS Blennerville on Tuesday evening for a special graduation night for sixth class pupils.
There were 26 pupils saying a fond farewell after eight years of running the gamut of emotions during their wonderful time at the school.
“They were a pleasure to teach and they’ll all have great memories of their time here. We all wish them well in the future,” said sixth class teacher, Ms Moriarty.
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Fr Vitalis performed a blessing and Principal Robbie O’Connell gave words of inspiration to the pupils as they make the transition to second level. The pupils also took to the stage to sing The Cranberries’ ‘Zombie’.
Ms Brassil’s video of the students — containing images of their journey from junior infants to sixth class, their memories and hopes for the future — was then watched by proud families. Best of luck to the Class of ’24 as they head to secondary schools all over town. Scroll down for photos…
How it started…the pupils starting school in Blennerville back in September 2016..Ms Moriarty with the sixth class at their graduation ceremony on Tuesday. Also included is Principal Robbie O’Connell. Photo by Dermot CreanPaddy Flynn with Shane and Claire Flynn at the St Brendan’s NS Blennerville Graduation on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Thomas Colivet with John, Emma and Rachel Colivet at the St Brendan’s NS Blennerville Graduation on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanDonnacha Tobin with parents Ken and Emer Tobin at the St Brendan’s NS Blennerville Graduation on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean..
BASE Dingle is excited to announce the opening of 10 new guest rooms, increasing its total room count to 30 just in time for the 2024 season.
In addition to the expanded accommodation, guests can now enjoy a convenient grab-and-go coffee and snack bar. They also have some great rates this summer on a selection of midweek dates for a last minute trip to Dingle (see www.basedingle.com).
As the latest addition to the Dingle Hotels family, which includes the renowned Dingle Skellig Hotel and Dingle Benners Hotel, Base Dingle offers a modern and relaxed stay mere steps from Dingle Marina.
With a room-only model, guests have the freedom to explore the charming town centre and its surroundings at their own pace.
Base Dingle first opened as a newly constructed accommodation offering in 2019 and was purchased by the locally based Garvey group in 2022.
That ‘Suite Spot’.
The brand ethos at Base Dingle embraces sustainability, genuine connections, and the richness of their surrounding local area.
Working with branding specialist Emma Prenderville of Blank Slate Creative Studio, the brief was clear – to create a creative, clean, and considered space, offering a premium and inclusive communal feel, ensuring guests feel right at home.
At Base Dingle, the focus is on experiences that matter most, and with a fresh, contemporary, and stylish setting, the property aims to provide the perfect slow tourism backdrop for hitting pause and savouring every moment.
Their belief is that thoughtful gestures and genuine connections with their staff and the local community, this will create a standout experience.
Base Dingle adds a clean modern take to the family of accommodation offerings from the Dingle Hotel group, and with a strong history in the town of Dingle, their heritage as hospitality providers comes hand in hand with preserving a sustainable future for their town.
The interiors and branding reflect the scenery and culture of Dingle and their commitment to preserving this beauty for generations to come.
The new guest rooms at Base Dingle are designed with a contemporary aesthetic and ample space, complementing the existing bright and welcoming atmosphere of the property.
Each room is equipped with coffee-making facilities, and the newest rooms also feature Nespresso Coffee makers, refrigerators and smartphone charging ports for added convenience.
The public areas feature hand crafted sugán chairs and local prints all complementing their commitment to ensuring the focus on local.
Base Dingle is committed to accessibility, offering two spacious guest rooms specifically designed to meet the mobility needs of all guests. These accessible rooms are generously sized with roll-in showers and feature two king beds to ensure a comfortable stay.
The diverse room options at Base Dingle include:
• Twin Tracks: Accommodates 2 guests
• The Whole Squad: Accommodates 4 guests
• Suite Spot: Accommodates 5 guests
• No Limits: Fully accessible guest rooms
To book your stay at Base Dingle, visit www.basedingle.com or call 066 915 2284. Rates start from €200 per night for two sharing. To view the 3 properties from Dingle Hotels in Dingle town visit www.dinglehotels.com
.At the launch of the new Tralee Family Heritage Trail were Colm Nagle of Kerry County Council, Claudia Kohler of Kerry County Museum, Brendan O’Brien of Tralee Tidy Towns, former County Archivist Mike Lynch, Cllr Angie Baily, Colette O’Connor of Tralee Chamber Alliance and Joan O’Regan of Tralee Tidy Towns.
THE Heritage Council-funded Tralee Family Heritage Trail offers a new free and fun family activity in the town.
Building on the Tralee Heritage Trail self-guided digital tour which was developed in 2023, the Tralee Family Heritage Trail is a walking trail around Tralee town centre with an accompanying activity booklet to engage children with each of the stories and sites on the route.
Taking in iconic Tralee locations such as the Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny St, Day Place, the Island of Geese, Tralee Courthouse and the Town Park, the trail aims to introduce the histories of the town to resident and visiting communities.
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The trail was developed in a collaboration between Tralee Tidy Towns who were awarded the funding, Mike Lynch (former county archivist), John Hickey (principal of Presentation Primary School), Claudia Kohler (Education Officer, Kerry County Museum), Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kerry County Council and Abarta Heritage.
The trail StoryMap and Activity Booklets are freely accessible from the main Tralee Heritage Trail Story Map: Tralee Heritage Trail by clicking here.
Through funding acquired from the Kerry County Council Community Support Fund 2024, Tralee Tidy Towns has made a limited number of hard copies of the Tralee Family Heritage Trail activity booklet available at the Kerry County Museum, the Tralee Tourism Information Office and Kiosk and the Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco and Activity Park.
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At the launch of the Tralee Family Heritage Trail on Saturday, Tralee Tidy Towns Chair, Brendan O’Brien said: “We are very grateful to the Heritage Council for funding this project and to a small group of very committed volunteers who worked with Abarta Heritage over the last year on putting this trail and activity booklet together. We would also like to thank the Kerry County Council Community Support Fund for funding aa limited print run of the activity booklets to help promote the trail. We continue to work with our town partners to build a sense of community and place and this Family Heritage Trail is a fabulous opportunity to invite people to engage with the heritage of our town, the main Tralee Heritage Trail can provide more detail to those interested in learning more. We will continue to develop on our heritage interpretation work and we invite anyone interested in getting involved to contact us at tidytownstralee@gmail.com”
Terry O’Brien, Mayor of Tralee said: “As Mayor of Tralee, I have to give huge congratulations to all involved in the Tralee Family Heritage Trail booklet. It is a fantastic idea and will be a lovely addition to Tralee’s tourism product. I would encourage everyone, not just our tourists, to follow this trail as it is very informative and an education to all about our history.”
Claudia Kohler (Education Officer, Kerry County Museum) said: “This beautifully designed activity booklet will undoubtedly become a fabulous resource for local and visiting families alike. Tralee has a fascinating history going back to the town’s foundation by the Anglo-Normans in 1216. Up until recently, the history of the town was difficult to access and engage with. We now have a digital heritage trail for adults and secondary schools, as well as an engaging, child-friendly trail activity for families and children.”
John Hickey, Principal of Presentation Primary School and member of the Heritage steering committee for the project said: “I was very interested in getting involved in this project as I feel local history and a sense of connectedness to where you live is essential to a child’s sense of self and wellbeing. With the right opportunities, children are naturally curious about their surroundings and how they came to be. You have to remember that the largest heritage project undertaken in the history of the state was completed by children, namely the Dúchas project.
As the principal of a large school in the centre of town, I quickly understood the potential for our pupils to derive immediate benefit from this. We look forward to getting our pupils out hunting down the sites and completing the activities. In fact this project is acting as a springboard into a more comprehensive whole-school local history programme which we are creating in school at the moment in conjunction with members of this steering committee.”
.The sixth class from O’Brennan at their graduation on Tuesday.
EIGHT years of primary school ended on Tuesday for the Class of 2024 in O’Brennan NS.
The school held a Graduation Ceremony in the school hall this morning to mark the occasion with family and friends attending.
Fr Gearóid Walsh officiated the ceremony with principal Mrs Michelle White speaking to the graduates and their family and friends afterwards.
The sixth class performed their graduation song, ‘History’, by One Direction at the end having been welcomed into the hall with a guard of honour from all the pupils in the school. A great day then and they look forward to the next adventure.
.Legendary GAA Commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, at the top of Carrauntoohil, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks back in 2014. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
TRIBUTES have been paid after the death was announced earlier today of legendary sport broadcaster and commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. Micheál passed away this morning surrounded by his family in the Mater Hospital, Dublin.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley said; “I am saddened beyond measure to learn of the passing of Mícheál Ó’Muircheartaigh. He was a legendary figure in GAA circles, but he was a legendary figure in all of our homes and in all of our hearts.
He was synonymous with what it was and what it is to be a true and great Irish gentleman. His unique love of Irish language, culture and sport. His incredible civility and courtesy. His gentleness and his extraordinary compassion and kindness. The very best of us and how we would like the world to see us.”
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Born in Dún Síon just outside Dingle, in 1930, his first assignment for RTÉ was to provide an all-Irish commentary on the 1949 Railway Cup Final on St Patrick’s Day; he continued teaching up until the 1980s when he became a full-time broadcaster with RTÉ.
While he had been broadcasting commentaries in English on RTÉ Radio since 1956, Micheál also covered All-Ireland Minor Semi-Finals and Finals in both hurling and football in the Irish language on RTÉ for over 25 years from the inception of television coverage in 1962.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh with Maurice Fitzgerald at the launch of Kieran Donaghy’s book ‘What Do You Think Of That’ in Tralee back in 2016. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
When the legendary Mícheál O’Hehir retired from broadcasting in the mid-1980s, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh took over as RTÉ’s premier commentator.
Micheál provided commentary on his last All-Ireland Final on Sunday September 19, 2010, when Cork faced Down in the football final at Croke Park. His career in RTÉ had spanned over 60 years.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “Speaking at the time of his retirement, Micheál said, ‘There’s only a while in everything. Sin mar a tá an scéal.’ His wisdom exemplifies his enormous modesty, as the truth is that Micheál was legendary for a reason. He captured the essence of his beloved sports and brought them to life for generations. His love for Gaelic Games was matched only by his love for the Irish language and his native Kerry, and his legacy stands proudly as a seminal contributor to sporting life and culture in Ireland, to the life of his language, and the life of the nation.”
As well as tributes from the GAA world, soccer personality Chris Kamara and Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain have also praised the legend.
Just heard the sad news from @NickyByrne & @Cormac88 that the legendary commentator Michael O Muircheartaigh has passed away. Myself & @JeffStelling spent a cracking week with Meehaul as he educated us on the GAA. We went from grassroots to the All Ireland final. RIP Michael you… pic.twitter.com/8K7LBEwt5W
So sad to hear of the passing of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. A man of great wit and charm, he was the voice of the summer to gaels all over the world. He was blessed with a long life and he lived it well, bringing joy to many. I think I can say without contradiction, ní bheidh a…
A report from Kerry FC’s media team on the Munster Senior Cup Final at Turners Cross last night…
KERRY FC 1-2 WATERFORD FC
Kerry FC were back in action after a week off and returned to Turners Cross for the second time this season as they came to Cork for the Munster Senior Cup Final against Waterford FC.
It’s the historic first-ever Final at senior level for Kerry FC and the fans from the Kingdom came out in numbers to support the boys.
The last time Kerry FC played Waterford FC was a draw in the penultimate game of the 2023 season. The two sides meet for the first time since Waterford’s promotion to the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division by beating Cork City in Tallaght Stadium at the end of the playoff campaign.
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Waterford have had a great return to the Premier Division and are pushing for European qualification. A win in the Munster Senior Cup could set up the end of a brilliant year for the Deise County.
Gbemi Arubi was close to putting Waterford in the lead after just six minutes. A loose ball fell kindly for him and an acrobatic effort hit just off the top of the crossbar. Aaron O’Sullivan was close to getting a hand to the chance but luckily enough for him the crossbar came to his aid.
Kerry was showing a slight bit of nervousness with it being their first final as there was confusion between Ethan Kos and Andy Spain trying to clear the ball in the six-yard box. Both players hit the ball off of each other in an attempt to clear it away.
The ball eventually trickled out for a corner and was dealt with in the end in a moment of worry for the Kerry FC defence.
Kerry started to settle well into the game. They had stopped Waterford from getting any more clear-cut chances but were not really troubling the opposition’s goal. The time was passing away in the first half and the real positive was the fact that they were competing with Waterford more in the middle of the pitch.
Kerry FC looked like they were about to head in at the half level but an unfortunate error from Ethan Kos put Waterford ahead with four minutes before the interval.
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Kos tried to play the ball back to O’Sullivan in goal but the pass was just short and Connor Evans pounced on the chance to finish well passed O’Sullivan and put Waterford FC a goal ahead at halftime.
Ethan has been excellent since his return to the starting eleven and luckily he was brilliant for the rest of the game and put a real uncharacteristic error out of his head straight away. The half ended with Waterford in front and Kerry FC had a big task to come back out for the second half and put it right.
If the chances were to be created, it was obvious Kerry would start flowing as we have seen over the past few weeks, but an early equaliser was needed.
Two minutes after the break Waterford had the chance to double their lead but a great save from Aaron O’Sullivan denied the situation from getting even deeper for Kerr.
Four minutes after the save, Kerry found themselves on level terms thanks to another goal from Ryan Kelliher. Nathan Gleeson gave a superb low-driven delivery into the area and Kelliher was there as the ball flew past everyone in the area to get on the end of the cross and get Kerry level.
Kerry then had another chance to take the lead themselves as Kevin Williams played a great pass across the box and just missed Kelliher at the back post. If Kelliher had been on the end of it Kerry FC would have turned the game around with two identical goals.
Nine minutes after the opportunity, Waterford regained their lead with a long-range effort from Calum Costello. He brought the ball forward a few yards and was not closed down.
He took a speculative effort from distance and the ball went straight into the bottom left corner. Cian Brosnan came on and had a chance a couple minutes after entering the game but it was at a tight angle and went well wide in the end.
That would be the last chance of the evening with Waterford winning the Munster Senior Cup for the sixteenth time in the club’s history.
It was a difficult result for a young Kerry FC team but there is no question that they will look to get back to another cup final soon. They return to league action on Friday night as they take on Wexford FC in Mounthawk Park with Kerry FC looking to make it four wins in a row at home.
Kerry FC Team: 30. Aaron O’Sullivan, 15. Kevin Williams, 6. Ethan Kos, 5. Andy Spain (C), 3. Sean O’Connell, 8. Ronan Teahan, 7. Sean McGrath, 21. Daire McCarthy, 11. Daniel Okwute, 9. Ryan Kelliher (Goal ‘51), 13. Nathan Gleeson.
Subs: Darragh Foley, Jack Kavanagh, Samuel Aladesanusi, Graham O’Reilly, Kennedy Amechi, Victor Udeze, Cian Brosnan.
Waterford FC Team: 1. Matthew Connor, 3. Ryan Burke (C), 6. Mikey Carroll, 7. Calum Costello (Goal ‘80), 8. Basit Ishola, 14. Connor Evans (Goal ‘41), 22. Gbemi Arubi, 26. Adam Queally, 34. Ronan Mansfield, 36. Joseph Forde, 77. Kacper, Skwierczynski.
Subs: Oisin Aldred, Adam Coyne, Sean Keane, Calum Flynn, Dylan Warren, Zak O’Sullivan, Anthony Adenopo.
Result of 12 hole singles competition played on June 19th off the green markers
1st Philip O Sullivan (6) 28 pts
2nd John Collins (7) 27 pts last 9 holes
3rd Patrick Mc Elligott (13) 27 pts last 6 holes
4th Kieran Ruttledge (9) 27 pts last 9 holes
5th Conor Stack (10) 27 pts
73 cards processed
Over 80+ red tees
1st Ronnie Brosnan 18 pts
Junior Golf Results for Wednesday 19th June 2024
18 Hole Competition was won by
Thomas Lenihan (43) 47 pts
9 Hole Comp was won by
Dylan O’ Mahony (7) 21pts
Junior Golf Results for Saturday 22nd June, 2024
18 Hole comp was won by
Conor mc Gibney (17) 33pts
9 Hole was won by Caitlin Savage (26) 30pts
Scramble was won by Rian Lynch, Cody Kelliher, Eli O’ Shea and Taylor Savage
Junior Scramble
1st Amy Stack, Jack Tess and Seamus Mc Cluskey
2nd Bobby Dennehy, Rosie Dennehy, Emily Deswardt and Ciara Scott
Senior Singles
1st Zach Kearney, 2nd Liam Mc Donnell and 3rd Gary Parker
Results Presidents Barry’s Prize to Ladies MC6 Saturday 22nd June:
1st: Carly Horan (29) 42pts
2nd: Paula O Sullivan (21) 40pts
Best Gross: Mary Sheehy (5) 29 pts
3rd: Ava O’ Sullivan (27) 38pts
4th: Catherine McCarthy (14) 38pts
Division 1 : Liz Grey (14) 38pts
Division 2: Maura Shanahan (21) 38pts
Division 3: Noran Shanahan (29) 36pts
Division 4: Paula Holmes (47) 38pts
Front Nine: Sheila O’ Sullivan 22pts
Back Nine: Gorretti O’ Connor 22pts
Cards Processed 74
Club sponsored Stableford Singles
White tee results:
1 Sean Reidy 40 pts (15)
2 Sean McCarthy 39 pts (13)
3 Verners Tess 39 pts (05)
4 Gene O’Donnell 39 pts (12)
5 Paudie Casey 37 pts (18)
Best Gross:
Fergal O’ Sullivan 40 pts (Nett 68, great score!)
Number of cards processed 134
Green tee results:
1. Michael Moynihan 30 pts (20)
4 cards processed
Congratulations to Gene O’Donnell for a hole-in-one on the 3rd!
PEIL FAOI 7/8/9: Great Under 7/8/9 football was played last Sunday morning in Caherslee. More football at 11am on Sunday next (30th June). Fáilte roimh chách!
CAMPA PEILE: Our club summer camp will take place in Connolly Park from Tuesday August 6th to Saturday August 10th from 9.30am to 1pm daily. Everybody welcome!
PEIL FAOI 11: Our usual session will take place at 11am ar an Domhnach (30ú Meitheamh). (ii) This week, on Thursday, we‘ll have another U11 GoGames challenge in which our stalwarts will display their football skills!
IOMÁNAÍOCHT FAOI 15: Congratulations to two Rock HURLERS, Cillian Litchfield and Haulie Cotter, who had the honour of performing at Féile na nGael (iománaíocht) in Wexford last weekend. A great feat! They were unlucky, however, to have been on the losing side against a strong Birr team in the semi-final of Roinn a Dó. Great to have Kerry hurlers playing in Wexford. ‘Well done’ to Ben and Haulie! Ó, is trua nárbh é an geansaí dubh is ómrach a bhí ar a ndroim acu beirt…if only!
When Kerry won our only senior hurling All-Ireland in 1891, Wexford were runners up! That 1891 hurling final was played on the 28th February 1892 in Clonturk Park (now the home of Dromcondra/Home Farm FC), on the bank of the River Tolka, Dublin. Kerry wore white geansaís in the final with the inscription ‘Up Kerry’ on them and they played in their bare feet! It is interesting to note, according to S.S Ó Conchubhair’s ‘Kilmoyley to the Rescue,’ that ‘the players were obliged to finance their own travel and expenses without County Board assistance.’
Michael Cusack was at that game and said afterwards to a prominent Kerryman: ‘I have never seen a finer exhibition of hurling in all my life. You ought to be proud of Kerry!’ Interestingly, one of those hard-won Kerry (winner’s) medals was found many many years later in a field in County Wexford!
PEIL FAOI 15: (i) Training sessions continue on Wednesday, on Friday and on Sunday in preparation for the upcoming Central League(s). The Central League will commence shortly and, so, boys, keep a look out for group messages. (ii) Continued good wishes to our two North Kerry U14 development squad players, Daniel Lane and Mark O’Riordan. (iii) Best wishes to the Tralee District footballers.
MINORS: Our club minors have training every Monday evening, Wednesday evening (in the gym) and Friday evening. Our first club championship game will be played at home and Ballymac will be our opposition. Date, venue and time still to be decided. (Theo Ó Duigín)
UNDER 21: ‘Well done’ to our U21s who gave of their best in the Ask Acorn Life U21 County Championship semi-final v South Kerry in the county semi-final this Wednesday (26th) in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. Our boys: Mícheál Tansley; Seán Heaslip, Ruairí Ó Conaill, Séamus Ó Bradáin; Colm de Brún, Lúcás Ó Cathasaigh, Seán Óg Ó Brosnacháin; Cillian Litchfield, Dónal Ó Ciarba; Seán de Bastábla, Conchúr Ó hÓráin (captaen), Cian Ó Duilleáin; Paidí Ó Laighin, Damien Ó hÓgáin, Donnacha Mac an tSaoir; Pádraig Ó hAllmharáin, Jordan Ó Cíosáin, Thomas Deregee, Seán Ó Muimhneacháin, Noah Townsend, Eimhín Ó Foghlú. Up The Rock!
CLUB GEAR: Club merchandise from O’Neills. Log into www.austinstacks.ie
BUÍOCHAS: Thanks to all club lotto supporters and especially to (i) Hussey’s Deli and Newsagency, Cé an Phrionsa, (ii) The Burger Shack, Móin an Bhealaigh, (iii) The Brogue, Sráid na Carraige, (iv) Siopa Chaoimhín de Barra, Ollmhargadh Grósaera na Carraige, (v) Paudie Commane Books, Sráid na Carraige. (vi) O’Flynn Interiors, Sráid na Carraige.
KERRY SENIORS: (i) Best wishes to Joe, Dylan, Armin, Joey and Kerry v Doire Cholmcille this weekend. Bua eile peile? (ii) Good luck to Aoife Ní Dhuilleáin, Dara Ó Lúing agus Mná na Ríochta v An Mhí this Saturday. Bua peile eile?
CIARRAÍ FAOI 17: Our hearts go out to Wayne and his Kerry minors v Doire Cholmcille. Our boys played so well, got brilliant scores, defended like Trojans and played outstanding football in a very sporting manner but, faraor géar, were pipped by that single point!
Briseadh croí for the entire group but what outstanding role models these boys have been for the young footballers of The Kingdom! The Rock boys on the panel: Ben Ó Murchú (an captaen), Fionnán Ó Riain, Rónán Ó Cearúill, Gavin Ó Cathasaigh, Ryan Ó Drisceoil. We’re so proud of them! We’ll wait with interest to see how the Oak Leaf County will fare v The Orchard County i gcraobhchluiche na hÉireann.
CLUB SENIORS: We congratulate Greg Horan and his team on becoming Division 2 League champions. The Greg-led Rockmen will be back in Division 1 next season. The Rock is back!
BON Secours Hospital Tralee encourages as many of their staff as possible to get involved in their local community and so created the Hospitals Training and Development Programme.
This programme provides funding to local community groups where staff from Bon Secours Hospital Tralee volunteer their time to support their community.
As official health partners of Kerry GAA, Joe O’Connor senior Kerry footballer and Liam Lynch Vice Chairperson of the Kerry County Board were on hand to present staff from the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee with cheques from the Programme.
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A total of €6,200 was donated to the following community groups – Sliabh a ‘Mhadra National School, Tralee Boxing Club, Ballyheigue GAA, Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail Parents Council, Castlegregory Community Games, Currow Parents Association, John Mitchels GAA Club, Camp Juniors Football Club, Monagea GAA, Irish Girl Guides, St Pats Blennerville U-14 Girls Teams, MEK Galaxy Football Club, Kells First Responders, Ballyduff LGFA, Irish Girl Guides/Shannon Brownies, Spa/Fenit/Barrow/Kerries Community Games, Derryquay N.S, Na Gaeil LGFA, Ballyduff GAA, Ceoltoirí Na Ríochta, Fenit Viewing Platform and Cobras Basketball Club.
1. Visit the Food and Craft village…
5. Watch the big game…
Ivan Hurley reports on last night’s Airtricity League Of Ireland Division One game at Mounthawk Park last night…
4. Witness history…
Sport still dominates the home channels today, but there are some interesting film offerings on display says our movie guy, James Finnegan…
Intrepid Fire Chief Mike O’Halloran (Steve McQueen) and his men do their utmost against desperate odds to fight the fire way higher than their equipment can hope to reach. Indeed the film is dedicated to fire fighters everywhere.
As the Belfast Blitz rains down on the city, a lonely widow, Tom and his band of misfit friends take an elephant called Buster from the city zoo, and hide it in the widows terraced house back yard.
After facing various setbacks in her singing career, the rise to success is gradual, and not helped as she is pulled towards alcoholism as well as suffering harrowing sexual abuse.
Finally, a romantic comedy drama rounds off the evening with Hello, My Name is Doris (Saturday 9.45 TG4). It stars Sally Field as Doris, a lonely sixty year old officer worker, who takes a self help seminar following the death of her mother.
Gardaí are investigating a suspected fatal assault on a male that occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 28 in Castleisland.
KERRY County Council, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, are continuing the clockwise traffic management system for visitors on Slí Cheann Sléibhe (Slea Head) during the peak visitor season, from Friday, June 28 to Friday, September 13.
