Daily Archives: July 30, 2024

News, SCHOOLS

Minister Foley Visits Pupils At Summer Programme At MTU In Tralee

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Minister Norma Foley with a student from Nano Nagle Listowel at MTU Kerry Campus on Tuesday. Photo by Domnick Walsh

MINISTER for Education, Norma Foley T.D, has urged third level institutions to sign up to future summer programme in the wake of a successful pilot project.

Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry campus opened up its facilities in its Tralee campus for the summer programme to special schools in the region.

The Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel took up the opportunity to run its summer programme for two weeks on the MTU campus. In its turn, MTU was able to offer a host of amenities, including access to a hydrotherapy pool which is equipped with a ceiling and pool hoist, making the pool accessible to all.

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The pilot project is just one of more than 1,700 individual summer programme schemes running this summer, across primary, post-primary and special schools, for children with special educational needs or educational disadvantage.

The programmes are free-of-charge for families and are funded by a €40 million budget allocation.

Minister Norma Foley at MTU Kerry Campus with students from Nano Nagle School in Listowel on Tuesday. Photo by Domnick Walsh

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said that MTU was the first third level institution to host the summer programme.

“I really want to congratulate the leadership of MTU Kerry campus and Nano Nagle special school in Listowel for the innovation they have displayed in running the summer programme.  I look forward to seeing similar initiatives being rolled out on other campuses around the country.”

Today, Minister Foley met MTU staff and parents and students from Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel. The summer programme was put together with the help of Jacqueline Halpin, the school programme organiser and Dr. Michael Hall Head of Department of Health & Leisure Studies and Hazel Byrne Manager, Kerry Sports Academy, the co-ordinators for MTU.

Minister Norma Foley at MTU Kerry Campus on Tuesday. Photo by Domnick Walsh

Under the pilot summer programme, children with a wide range of ages and abilities from Nano Nagle Special School attended the pilot project for two weeks at MTU at the start of July.  A variety of activities, which included drama and a drumming workshop, also took place in MTU.

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News, SCHOOLS

Minister Meets With Credit Unions Of Kerry And West Limerick

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A Kerry Jersey was presented to Minister Neale Richmond at the Killarney Credit Union offices. Pictured from left;Pa Laide CEO, Cara Credit Union, Mark Murphy CEO, Killarney Credit Union, Joy Clifford Vaughan Chairperson, Killarney Credit Union, Minister Neale Richmond, Denis Dillane CEO, Listowel Credit Union, Fergus McAuliffe CEO, Rathmore & District Credit Union & Peter Murphy CEO, Abbeyfeale Credit Union. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.

MINISTER Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance visited Kerry on Monday, July 22 to hold a round table meeting with the Credit Unions of Kerry & West Limerick.

The visit, which was hosted by Killarney Credit Union, underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening community-based financial institutions and recognied the critical role credit unions play in fostering economic growth and financial inclusion.

The meeting which was attend by representatives of Killarney Credit Union, Cara Credit Union, Rathmore & District Credit Union, Listowel Credit Union, Abbeyfeale Credit Union, the Irish League of Credit Unions & Department of Finance covered many of the topics and issues concerning the local credit unions.

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During the visit, Minister Richmond toured the facilities and engaged with staff and members, gaining insights into the daily operations and the unique challenges faced by credit unions.

The minister commended the Credit Unions of Kerry & West Limerick for their unwavering dedication to providing affordable financial services and for their innovative programs designed to meet the diverse needs of their members.

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News, Sport

Captains Gather At Croke Park Ahead Of The Big Game On Sunday

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In attendance during the captains day ahead of the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship Finals at Croke Park in Dublin is Kerry captain Niamh Carmody. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

CAPTAINS from the six competing teams have gathered at Croke Park ahead of next Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Finals.

With the countdown to Sunday continuing, the respective team captains; Shannan McQuade (Fermanagh), Áine Breen (Louth), Michelle Guckian (Leitrim), Aoibhinn McHugh (Tyrone), Ailbhe Davoren (Galway) and Niamh Carmody (Kerry) got a feel for Croke Park ahead of the big day.

The Senior Final, the 51st in LGFA history, and in the Association’s 50th year, pits Galway against 2022 and 2023 runners-up Kerry, with the counties set to meet for the very first time in a Brendan Martin Cup decider.

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That game throws in at 4.15pm and is preceded by the Intermediate Final between Leitrim and Tyrone (1.45pm) and the Junior Final between Fermanagh and Louth (11.45am).

In the Senior Final, a win for Kerry would put the Kingdom out in front on the all-time Senior roll of honours list.

 In attendance during the captains day ahead of the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship Finals at Croke Park in Dublin is Senior Championship contenders Kerry captain Niamh Carmody, left, and Galway captain Ailbhe Davoren. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

They’re currently on 11 All-Ireland Senior Championship wins – a haul matched by the great Cork teams that were dominant from 2005-2016.

Their opponents, Galway, are going in search of a second title, following their previous success in 2004.

Next Sunday will mark a 15th All-Ireland Senior Final appearance for Kerry. Kerry’s last Final win was back in 1993, when they overcame Laois, while Galway, who are looking ahead to a fifth Senior Final, last contested a Brendan Martin Cup decider in 2019.

To whet the appetite of attendees and TV viewers ahead of Sunday’s Croke Park triple-header, TG4’s Ceiliúradh Peil na mBan, presented by Máire Ní Bhraonáin, will air from 8pm on Saturday evening.

The programme will visit all six counties playing in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior deciders.

This celebratory programme will feature music from each of the counties, with former players reflecting on the 2024 Championships so far and looking ahead to Sunday’s big games.

Spórt TG4 will also have exclusive behind the scenes action from the TG4 All-Ireland Finals Day in Croke Park across its social media channels.

All of TG4’s LGFA coverage will be available to audiences globally on the TG4 Player at www.tg4.ie/beo  and on the TG4 Mobile and Smart TV App.

Ticket information ahead of Sunday’s games is available at bit.ly/3xnhkbX and you can also watch the games live on TG4 at the following link: https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/watch-live/

Tickets for Sunday’s games are priced at €30 for adults and €15 for students, OAPs and U18s.
Group rates are available only from the LGFA Office (1 Adult @ €10 for every group of 10 U-18s at €5 per child – €60; Family: 2 adults and 2 U-18s – €70)

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GAA, Sport

Anticipation Builds Ahead Of The Kerry SHC Final This Sunday

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Andrew Morrissey and Mike O’Halloran are the commentators on Radio Kerry this Sunday for the big game in Tralee.

Mike O’Halloran looks forward to the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship Final at Austin Stack Park this Sunday…

Ballyduff and Abbeydorney square off in the Garveys Super Valu Kerry hurling final on Sunday and it is the first time these two sides have met in the final.

Abbeydorney are hoping to bridge a 50 year gap in winning the game and it’s 19 years since the contested a final. On that occasion they lost in 2005 to Lixnaw after a replay.

Ballyduff lie second in the champions roll of honour behind Kilmoyley. Ballyduff came through a tough semi-final encounter with Kilmoyley after being taken to extra time.

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Oisín Maunsell of Abbeydorney.

Abbeydorney had a comfortable victory over Ballyheigue in their semi-final led by Michael O’Leary, Oisin Maunsell and Ronan Donovan and James O’Connor at the back.

Ballyduff relied on a mixture of youth and experience through their campaign with Jack Goulding, Padraig Boyle and Luke Rochford to the fore.

Padraig Boyle of Ballyduff.

The game promises to be a classic, all the action will be live on Radio Kerry from 1.50 pm with myself Mike O’Halloran and Andrew Morrissey.

James O’Connor of Abbeydorney.
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Sport

Tralee Magic Basketball Club News

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Good Luck to Tralee Magic and Ireland forward Joshua Osayanrhion as he arrived in North Macedonia with his Ireland U18 team mates ahead of their FIBA U18 Men’s Youth EuroBasket campaign.

Their opening game against the host team was a tough one. They went down in a hard fought battle, where the final score of 56 – 71 did not reflect the truth of the game.

Joshua had an outstanding individual game scoring 15 points (55.6% of FG), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 turnovers in just 27.55 minutes.

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Beginners Camp
Our very first beginners camp took place this week. It was great to see so many kids enjoying basketball for the first time. They had so much fun learning the fundamentals of this team sport that we all love, that more than a few parents said they were “buzzing” to start academy…a success by anyone’s standards! Well done and thank you to all involved.

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SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS

Our Skills Development sessions continue this Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Holly, Joshua and Pryia will take you through your paces to develop your individual game skills. NON-CLUB MEMBERS WELCOME!
Club Members €3
Non Club Members €4
bring water and a ball

OUT OF SEASON TRAINING

This will be the last week of Out of Season Training this week with our very best Tralee Magic Coaches.
These sessions will focus on team skills and drills within appropriate age groups!

U12/14 girls 6-7pm
U16-18 boys and girls 7-8pm
U12/14 boys 8-9pm
Bring a ball and water!

€5 per session.
Cumman Íoseaf
CLUB MEMBERS ONLY!

2 DAY BASKETBALL CAMPS

Tralee Magic’s 2 day Basketball Camps are suitable for both boys and girls from beginner and experienced players.
Over the 2 intensive days of basketball they will:
Build on the fundamentals skills of basketball
Develop Existing Skills
Stay Active
Learn the Importance of Hard Work, Sportsmanship, and Teamwork
Have FUN!

August 12th and 13th for u8-u12

August 15th and 16th for u14-u18

Camps run 09:30 to 2pm each day in Cumann Íoseaf!

Book now on our website www.traleemagicbc.ie

Coach Development
Tralee Magic, in conjunction with Basketball Ireland, will be running a Level 1 Coaching Course in Tralee. Places are limited, but we are delighted to be able to offer coaches from other clubs the opportunity to take this course in Kerry!
Dates: August 2nd – 4th
To book your place, please contact the club on traleemagicbc@gmail.com or on 087 903 5732

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GAA CLUBS

Austin Stacks GAA Juvenile Club News

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CLUB FOOTBALL CAMP: The Austin Stack Club summer camp will begin at 9.30am on Tuesday next (August 6th) in Connolly Park and it will continue until Saturday August 10th. (Times: 9.30am go dtí 1pm gach lá). Just come along, boys/girls. Fáilte roimh chách!

PEIL FAOI 7/8/9: Very enjoyable Under 7/8/9 football was played last Sunday morning in Caherslee. ‘Hope to see you all at 11am on Sunday next (4th August). Come along, everybody!

PEIL FAOI 11: (i) Football-for-Fun will take place at 10.50am on Sunday next (4ú Lúnasa) in Caherslee and (ii) at 6.20pm on Thursday. Roll on, Central League games….we can’t wait! Exciting encounters ahead!

FAOI 14: We look forward to the Lee Strand Football one-day Tournament for our U14 boys (born 2010, 2011). The games will take place on September 14th. Trial games will be played to select the best Austin Stack Club team and, dá bhrí sin, keep an eye out for group messages for details. (Ger Hobbert)

PEIL FAOI 15: (i) On Wednesday (24th) our Division 1 team travelled to Milltown for our Central League game v Milltown/Castlemaine. The first half was a close, tight and exciting affair. Two early goals in the opening minutes of the second period saw us take control of the game and take the win. This result means that we’ve now qualified for the semi-finals (with a game still to be played).

(ii) Our Division 5 team was in action on Wednesday (24th) v Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane. We had already secured a semi-final spot but, unfortunately, due to injuries and holidays, we could not field our strongest team. ‘Well done’ to the boys who did line out against a stronger 3-club team. Our lads put in a massive effort but, faraor agus ochón, the opposition was far too strong and grabbed the win. Keep the heads up now, boys, and let’s think about the upcoming semi-final. Come on, The Rock!

(iii) On Sunday morning last (28th), our Division 1 team took on the John Mitchel Club U15s in our final pool game. Imríodh an cluiche i mBaile Ó Síoda. Even though we were already through to the semi-finals of the Central League, we had another prize in mind! Having never beaten this JM team on their home patch over the last 4 seasons, we badly wanted to gain a victory in this one encounter! A matter of Rock pride! It was tight enough first half and the scoreboard had us leading at the break by just a point…JM: 2-5; AdeS: 2-6. Again, two quick goals after the restart had us move into a strong lead. A very strong 2nd half saw us take the win. JM: 4-12; AdeS: 9-10. Great goals and a mighty win after a massive effort from every single one of the lads who wore the Black‘n’Amber. Maith sibh, a leaideanna na Carraige! Éacht oibre!

(iv) Wednesday 31st was scheduled as the day/date for the semi-finals of the Central League. Venue and time has still to be confirmed. Please, please….we ask you to come out give your support to these young Rockies for the remaining games of the League! Ní neart go cur le chéile! The ‘16th man’ is always a help!! (v) ‘Well done’ once again to our three North Kerry Development players, Eoin Mangan, Harry Murphy and Conor O’Regan who lined out in the Green‘n’Gold on Saturday last when The Kingdom (Kerry) defeated The Rebels (Cork). Maith sibh, a pheileadóirí na Carraige! Ciarraí Abú! (Ger Hobbert, Tim McMahon)

MINORS: (i) ‘Well done’ to our minor footballers v Laune Rangers ar an Luan seo caite in the final of the Keanes Supervalu Club A Championship. Imríodh an cluiche i Staid an Ghearaltaigh. Up The Rock! (ii) Big sympathies to our own Lucy O’Connor and her Kerry minor girls who were pipped by Cavan last Saturday. A great achievement to get so far in the competition. Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach!

CLUB GEAR: Club merchandise from O’Neills. Log into www.austinstacks.ie

CLUB LOTTO: Thanks to all club lotto supporters and promoters and especially to (i) O’Flynn Interiors, Sráid na Carraige, (ii) Hussey’s Deli and Newsagency, Cé an Phrionsa, (iii) The Burger Shack, Móin an Bhealaigh, (iv) The Brogue, Sráid na Carraige, (v) Siopa Chaoimhín de Barra, Ollmhargadh Grósaera na Carraige, (vi) Paudie Commane Books, Sráid na Carraige.

PEIL SHINSEARACH: (i) Best wishes to Aoife Ní Dhuilleáin, Dara Ó Lúing agus Mná na Ríochta v Mná na Gaillimhe ar an Domhnach beag seo. (Dhein Aoife agallamh iontach le Helen Ní Shé ar Raidió na Gaeltachta an tseachtain seo caite…togha na Gaolainne aici!) (ii) ‘Well done’ to our senior club team in the Intermediate Club Championship (Group A Match 1) v The John Mitchel Club on Saturday last (27th) ag Bóthar na Trá. (iii) Comhghairdeachas le ‘Star’ and his Orchard County stars v Galway!

MAR EOLAS: Kerry Ladies’ 11 All-Ireland victories: 1976, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993. Can we expect to add 2024 to our list to give us ‘the dozen’?

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Sport

Tralee Golf Club News

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Senior Ladies Results of 3 Person Waltz on Monday July 22, 2024

First: Mary Quillinan, Margaret Lawlor & Annette Dineen = 42 Points
Second: Elizabeth Lynch, Michelle Moore & Angela Deenihan = 41 Points

11 Teams played in very tough windy conditions

Senior Men’s Results of 4 person AM/AM played in Killarney on Wednesday July 24th

1st Philip O Sullivan (9),Sean O Keefe (13) ,Jack O Driscoll(18), Ger O Connor(29)  98 pts
2nd Martin Mitchell(17), Pat O Donnell (8), Tim Leahy (5), Jerry Moloney (16) 97 pts
3rd  Michael O Connell (21), Richard Barrett(23), Paddy Nagle(24) , Michael Moynihan(21) 96 pts  last 9 holes

25 cards returned. Thanks to everyone for entering.

Junior Golf Results for Saturday 27th July

18 Hole Competition

1st Sean hickey (14) 36pts

9 Hole Competition

1st Cormac O’ Halloran( 23) 24pts

2nd Ben Deegan (18) 16pts

Academy

Senior Singles

1st Jamie McEvoy 23

2nd Eoin O’ Reilly

3rd Shane Sinnott

Junior Scramble

1st Jack Tess, Amy Stack, Eabhna Barrett 22

2nd Fiadh O’ Sullivan, Isobel O Leary and Jack Buckley

3rd Conor Murphy, Eoin Murphy, Patrick Hanifan

Men’s Results Saturday and Sunday 27th and 28th of July

MC11 Lee Strand Results:

1 John Murphy 43 pts (22)
2 Gene O’Donnell 42 pts (11)
3 James O’Halloran 41 pts (08)

Best Gross: Fergal O’ Sullivan 37 pts

Division 1:
1 Kevin Anthony Lucey 40 pts (04)
2 Eamonn O’Sullivan 40 pts (09)

Division 2:
1 Brendan R Kenny 39 pts (13)
2 Trevor Harty 37 pts (11)

Division 3:
1 Sean Reidy 39 pts (14)
2 Padraig Teahan 39 pts (14)

Division 4:
1 Jack Murphy 40 pts (18)
2 Gerald MacNamara 36 pts (22)

Back 9: Paul Stephenson 20 pts

Easiest holes: 7,18,3
Hardest holes: 17, 11, 2

Club-sponsored Green tee Stableford: John O’ Connell 31 pts (24) 3 cards processed

MC7 Results & Fixtures July  27/28th 2024:

MC7 Ladies Singles kindly sponsored by Ardfert Pharmacy:

Saturday 27/Sunday 28 July 2024

1st: Mary Fitzgerald  43pts (43)

2nd Norma O Regan  41pts (29)

Best Gross: Liz Grey 26pts

3rd: Angela Enright  39pts (31)

4th: Phil Stack         38pts (33)

5th Mary Savage    37pts (15)

Division 1: Mary Murphy  36pts (20)

Division 2:Gorretti O Connor 34pts (23)

Division 3 Monica O Neill    33pts (28)

Division 4 Niamh Galvin     34pts (37)

Front 9:  Eilish O Loughlin   22pts

Back 9: Sandra O Sullivan  20pts

Ladies 9 Hole Competition

1st Maura Mc Kenna 20pts (19)

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News, Sport

Kerry FC To Hold Fundraising Golf Classic In September

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In attendance at the launch of the Kerry FC Golf Classic were L-R David Conway (Organising Committee), Kennedy Amechi (First Team Player), James Sugrue (First Team Coach), Finn Barrett (First Team Player), Sean O’Keeffe (Kerry FC General Manager)

KERRY Football Club will host an inaugural Golf Classic on Friday, September 20th which will take place on the beautiful Beaufort Golf Course.

The club will swap the big ball for the small ball for one day only in a bid to raise funds for the club which fields 6 teams across the Academy and Senior structures.

Kerry FC was formed originally with a Men’s Under 17’s team continuing to grow out to a full League of Ireland Academy side. Back in November 2022, the club received a license to compete in the senior league, entering a men’s team in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.

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The club has been going from strength to strength since and has now welcomed a Women’s team at Under 17 level for the first time.

With some award-winning golf courses on the club’s doorstep, Kerry FC are delighted to reveal details of our first-ever Golf Classic which will take place on the stunning parkland course in Beaufort, right in the heart of Mid Kerry.

Teams of four can now enter the event, which will be both a test of golf and an enjoyable and fun occasion for everyone. Teams of four are €250 while you can also sponsor a tee box for €100 is also available. There will be some fantastic prizes for the winners and a raffle and goodie bags on the day.

Speaking at the launch of the Golf Classic, Kerry FC General Manager Sean O’Keeffe said “We are delighted to be in a position to host a golf classic in 2024. It’s been in our planning for several years, but last year being our first year in the league made it difficult to find time to do anything”.

Sean added; “Beaufort is a fantastic course, nice and challenging but can be a course where some good scores can come in as well. So we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Beaufort and Kerry for the event, we have a good number of teams entered already so I’m sure it will be a successful event.”

To enter the event or to sponsor a tee box you can contact Sean O’Keeffe on 087 189 0892 or Eamonn Foley on 086 807 4886

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News

Recovery Haven’s ‘Celebration Of Light’ To Take Place At The Wetlands

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At the launch of this year’s Celebration of Light were Steve Cronly (Rose of Tralee), Breda Carmody (Recovery Haven), Mags Kissane (Lakeside Cafe), Iris Barry (Choral Union) Eucharia Breen (Choral Union) Lynn Ponshard (Choral Union) Kathleen Collins (Recovery Haven) Mary O Connor (Wetlands) Tina Cunningham (Recovery Haven).

THE tranquil setting of Tralee Bay Wetlands will once again provide the stunning backdrop for this year’s Celebration of Light Ceremony, organised annually by cancer support charity Recovery Haven Kerry.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, August 18, at 7pm and aims to unite those touched by cancer and remember those we have lost.

The evening will be MC’d by Sean Lyons and will feature a poignant performance from the Kerry Choral Union, as well as a selection of prayers and readings from a number of special guests.

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As in previous years, a number of this year’s Rose of Tralee contestants and escorts, as well as a number of former Roses of Tralee winners will attend.

The emotional lighting of candles and stones will also form part of the celebration – with the valued support of Banna Sea Rescue – with candles available to buy on the night.

The event is also being kindly supported by Mary O’Connor and her team at Tralee Bay Wetlands and Margaret Kissane of The Lakeside Café.

“This is always such a very special event for Recovery Haven, and we would encourage those affected by cancer to come along and experience what is a very special feeling togetherness and solidarity with those around them,” said the charity’s PR & Marketing Officer, Marisa Reidy.

“The evening is a much-loved opportunity for people to join together in hope and light in honour of those touched by and lost to cancer.”

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News

Cleo Murphy Selected By Green Party As Candidate In Next General Election

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Cleo Murphy

CLEO Murphy has again been selected as the Green Party’s candidate for the General Election.

Cleo Murphy, a native of Kenmare, previously contested the General Election in 2020 and received 5.3% of the first preference vote.

Her background is in media, and she worked both as a reporter with The Kingdom newspaper and a newsreader with Radio Kerry. More recently she has worked with Minister Pippa Hackett and as a regional development officer for the Green Party.

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“I’m delighted to have been selected by the members of the Kerry Green Party branch,” she says. “I want to make sure that Ireland’s green transition serves the people of Kerry, improving everyone’s quality of life and protecting the natural environment that gives us all such pride of place.

“It’s vital that we have a strong Green Party presence in the next Dáil and, potentially, the next Government to ensure that the benefits we have brought in for people are not undone. I want to be the Kerry voice in the Green corner of the next Dáil.”

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News

Public Urged To Be Safety Conscious This ‘Amber Thursday’

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Pictured at the launch of Amber Thursday at Banna Strand were, in front; Yaroslav Rashyn Banna Sea Rescue , Sgt David Carney Kerry Garda , Brian Crean Banna Sea Rescue , Shona Carroll Lifeguard , Brian Enright, Lifeguard , Noah Edwards, Lifeguard , Leah Long, Lifeguard , Eoin Buckley, Banna Sea Rescue, John O’Donnell Fire Officer Tralee Fire Station , TJ O’Connor RSA Road Safety Officer and Declan Keogh Road Safety Officer Kerry County Council . Back from left; John Sheehan and Diyana Dimitrova Banna Sea Rescue . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

FIRE, road and water safety officials gathered at Banna Strand this morning to launch this year’s ‘Amber Thursday’ ahead of the August bank holiday weekend which is traditionally a busy time for such services.

After another tragic weekend on the roads resulting in multiple fatalities in separate incidents, and with people taking to the water, having barbeques or campfires etc, ‘Amber Thursday’ is an inter-agency joint initiative to raise awareness of the risks and dangers on the road, in water or with fire. This year, there is a heavy focus on road safety.

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Kerry County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh said: “Time and time again we hear of another tragic incident which has taken a life on the roads. Every person who uses the road needs to be aware of the risks all around them. While one person might be doing everything safe and correct, the actions of another road user could change all of that in an instant. We are appealing to motorists in particular, to always drive safe and sober, drive within the speed limits and for everyone traveling in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt. Motorists also need to look out for vulnerable road users and take breaks on long journeys to avoid driver fatigue.”

Garda Inspector Gary Carroll, Roads Policing Unit at Castleisland, Co. Kerry said: “The August bank holiday weekend historically is one of the busiest weekends of the year. All members of An Garda Siochana attached to the Kerry Division are committed to working with our sister organisations to ensure the safety of the public we serve”

Water rescuers are also expected to have a busy weekend as people take to water activities. Last year, the Irish Coast Guard coordinated responses to 2,788 incidents, which was the second highest number in 5 years, and August was their busiest month with a total of 391 incidents. Lifeguards are on duty in designated areas.

Swimmers are reminded to swim within their depth, not to use inflatable toys on open water and always swim at a lifeguarded beach. Swimming inland in lakes and rivers is also proven to be particularly high risk in terms of water safety.

The bank holiday weekend can also be a busy time for firefighters who are called to various incidents including barbeque or domestic fires and road traffic collisions.

To avoid injuries, or damage to property, never BBQ on a balcony and ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from the house/apartment, trees or shrubs. Never leave the barbecue unattended and keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.

People are being particularly reminded to not light fires in or near forests, recreational areas or other amenities and motorists are asked to park responsibly and not to block emergency access routes.

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Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Féile Thrá Lí Returns For Spectacular Celebration Of Free Family Fun

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Launching Féile Thrá Lí were, back from left; Niamh O’Sullivan KCC , Mikey Sheehy Mayor of Tralee , Mark Sullivan Féile Thrá Lí , Eamon Cunningham Tralee MD Officer and Aidan Turney Féile Thrá Lí . In front; Lauren Connaire and Hanna Garvey from Tralee. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .

TRALEE is set to come alive once again as the second Féile Thrá Lí Street Fest returns from August 16th to August 20th.

This year, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, coinciding with the renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival, ensuring a truly magical time for residents and visitors alike.

Féile Thrá Lí, presented by Kerry County Council, will offer a wide array of free family-friendly entertainment, daytime street and park shows, nighttime stage gigs, and music performances.

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Highlights of the festival include lively parades, dazzling fireworks displays, and the chance to meet the Roses from around the world.

There’ll be street theatre and performances by talented artists and buskers, a variety of local crafts, artisanal foods, and unique treasures at the bustling market stalls and for the kids there’ll be face painting, interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and games

At night the town will come alive with performances by local and international musicians on the mobile, square and Denny Street stages.

Join the excitement with a grand parade on Saturday night, the Sunday daytime parade, and a  midnight parade on Tuesday, bringing the festival to a magical close.

Mayor of Tralee, Councillor Mikey Sheehy, expressed his excitement about the upcoming festivities: “Féile Thrá Lí has secured that cherished August tradition in our community, bringing together families, friends, and visitors to celebrate the spirit of Tralee. This year’s festival promises to even better than last years inaugural event, with a fantastic lineup of free entertainment for all ages. We invite everyone to join us in the heart of Tralee for an unforgettable experience.”

Tralee Municipal District Manager, Niamh O’Sullivan added: “The Féile Thrá Lí Street Festival is a testament to the vibrant culture and strong sense of community in Tralee. We are thrilled to support this event, which showcases the best of our town and provides a platform for local talent and businesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, create lasting memories, and enjoy all that Tralee has to offer.” For more see www.festivaltralee.com

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