.Eamon Cunningham, Tralee Municipal District Officer, Kerry County Council, Breda Moriarty, Environmental Awareness Officer, Kerry County Council and Cllr Mikey Sheehy, Mayor of Tralee joined Ella Seery from The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) in Tralee Town Park as part of its summer roadshow across the country to raise disposal awareness of gum litter and its environmental impacts. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
THE Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Tralee today as a part of its Summer Roadshow.
The interactive Roadshow works with local authorities and communities across the country to carry out fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of gum litter.
Now in its seventeenth year, the campaign is a collaboration between Food Drink Ireland, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the chewing gum industry, and local authorities.
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Welcoming the Roadshow to Kerry, Breda Moriarty, Environmental Awareness Officer for Kerry County Council said: “We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Tralee. It is a great initiative that helps us to educate and inform the people of Kerry of the negative impacts of gum litter on our local community.”
This year’s campaign sees representatives from the Gum Litter Taskforce working with local authorities and communities to carry out education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of improper disposal.
Then, in September, the Gum Litter Taskforce’s Bin It! education programme will travel across the country and deliver 60 performances a year to primary and secondary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025. This is in addition to useful lesson plan material that has been made available to almost 730 schools across Ireland.
.Minister for Education Normal Foley with Billy Kelleher MEP and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP at The Brandon Hotel last night.
MINISTER for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley has been endorsed by Fianna Fáil members in Kerry as their chosen general election candidate.
Hundreds of delegates attended the Fianna Fáil Kerry selection convention last night at the Brandon hotel in Tralee. There was representation from Fianna Fáil members from north, south, east and west Kerry.
Minister Foley received 282 votes, nearly 100 above the quota. Two other party members were seeking the nomination — and Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy who received 32 votes and Cllr Michael Cahill who got 53 votes.
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It’s expected another candidate will be added to the ticket before the General Election.
The convention was chaired by Fianna Fáil Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher. It was also attended by newly elected Fianna Fáil Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Senator Mark Daly, Senator Ned O’Sullivan and all Fianna Fáil councillors in Kerry.
Speaking after the convention, Minister Foley said: “I am proud and grateful in equal measure to have received such a comprehensive mandate from the Fianna Fáil party. It’s a singular honour for me to represent my county, whether on the town council, the county council, as mayor and now as a TD and a minister at cabinet. The first step in doing that is to have the confidence of your party. I am honoured to have received a mandate from them. I continue to work every single day to best serve and shape our county of Kerry and our country.”
THE Rose Tour of Kerry which started on Wednesday came to an end on Friday morning with a visits to Listowel taking in the Lartique Monorail, The Greenway, and Listowel Arms Hotel.
It’s been a busy week for the contestants taking in the sights at the Kerry Cliffs, Blasket Centre, Carrolls Cove, Sneem Village and Sneem Hotel all in association with Kerry County Council.
The Roses are based in The Meadowlands Hotel and on Friday morning there was an official welcome for them at the hotel where they met their Rose Buds for the first time.
They held a party in the function room there and there was great excitement among the ‘buds’, Roses and the escorts who danced the afternoon away. Scroll down for photos…
.Listowel Racecourse staff, Brendan Curtin, Con Scollard, Davitt Beasley, Dan O’Connell, and Padraig Wallace pictured with their dogs makeing sure the racetrack is in top condition ahead of the annual Listowel Races Harvest Festival which take place from Sunday September 22nd until Saturday September 28th 2024 at the Kerry Racecourse. Photo: Don MacMonagle
LISTOWEL Race Company has today announced their action-packed programme for the forthcoming Harvest Racing Festival from Sunday, September 22nd to Saturday, September 28.
Celebrating 166 years of top-quality racing at the scenic course in Listowel this year, Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are all National Hunt meetings and Monday and Tuesday feature an all-flat race card.
Off the race course, there is something for everyone of all ages including five fashion competitions; exceptional free children’s entertainment with a petting farm and top live music acts including the return of ABBA Waterloo, plus the ‘Save your Heels, We’ve got Wheels’ free double-decker bus is back on Ladies Day.
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The opening day’s card is sponsored by Kerry Group and the feature race is the Kerry Group Handicap Steeplechase €45,000.
Sunday is family day sponsored by Garvey’s SuperValu and this year’s free entertainment includes a petting farm and the return of Giggles Entertainment with a mini Disco, face painting, free balloons and Coco Melon & Mickey Mouse will meet & greet all the children as they arrive.
Mary O’Donnell.
Sunday also features the Lyrath Estate Most Stylish Racegoer fashion competition judged by top fashion blogger, Mary O’Donnell, with a prize fund valued at €2,000.
The feature race on Monday is the The John F. McGuire Handicap of €45,000. Monday also sees the return of a competition celebrating one of fashion’s most iconic wardrobe essentials – Denim Blue Jeans! Open to everyone, ‘Forever in Blue Jeans’ sponsored by O’Connors Farm Supplies and Hardware is a great excuse to wear denim in any style from jeans to jumpsuits and style them up or down as you wish!
Tuesday’s feature race is the Edmond & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes €40,000.
The Guinness Kerry National Handicap Steeplechase €200,000 (Grade 3) is on Wednesday and always attracts a huge crowd. Post racing on Wednesday, ABBA Waterloo take to the stage at 6pm for a free concert on the course playing all the icon 70’s Swedish Supergroup’s smash hits.
On Thursday, the feature race is The Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle (Handicap) Listed Race of €60,000.
Dapper Cllr. Niall Botty O’Callaghan who will judge the ‘Best Dressed Man’s Competition’ at Listowel Races on Thursday September 26th pictured with sponsor Micheal Moran of Ryles Menswear Tralee. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Back by popular demand, the Best Dressed Man’s Competition on Thursday is once again generously sponsored by Ryles Menswear Tralee and the judge is Cllr. Niall Botty O’Callaghan.
The overall winner will receive a custom-made suit from Ryle Menswear valued at €1,200 and the first runner-up will receive a full Benetti suit, shirt and tie. Anyone wishing to enter should be on course by 2pm and the finalists and winners will be revealed in the parade ring after the 5th race.
On Friday the feature race is The MCG Handicap Hurdle of €100,000. This is the 10th year of McElligotts sponsorship of Ladies Day at the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival and they are delighted to once again welcome on board Kia as official event co-sponsors.
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Judged by former Miss World, international model, and best-selling author Rosanna Davison, and award-winning top Irish fashion designer Heidi Higgins, the overall winner of the Best Dressed Lady will be jetting off to the Big Apple and staying in the fabulous Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan.
In addition to this fabulous prize, there are also generous cash prizes of €1,000 for the Most Creative Headpiece as well as €500 for the Most Contemporary Outfit.
Anyone wishing to enter should be on course by 1pm and the judges will personally tour the course to select finalists.
The Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Steeplechase, €50,000 is the feature race on the last day of the meeting, Saturday 28rd of September.
It’s also Sustainable Style Saturday. This fashion competition in association with Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce, continues to encourage racegoers to consider the circular fashion economy and re-style and re-wear preloved and vintage clothing.
This year the cash prizes are bigger than ever with €500 cash for the Most Sustainably Dressed Racegoer (male or female) sponsored by Listowel Race Company up for grabs and €100 for the first runner-up sponsored by Oonagh Chemco Pharmacy.
Judged by sustainability advocate and fashion personality Orlagh Winters, there are also new categories with a €300 cash prize sponsored by Con McCarthy Brokers for the Most Sustainable 1980’s look and €100 sponsored by John McGuire Pharmacy for the Most Sustainable under 16’s Outfit.
Tickets for the Races can be purchased online or at turnstiles on the day for €20 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & €30 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, with a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more.
Visit www.listowelraces.ie for more information and follow the hashtag #listowelraces on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates and to join the conversation!
IF you go down to Prince’s Street, you’ll notice the results of the huge collaborative effort that’s gone into revamping four flower beds outside the Brandon Hotel, led by Tralee Tidy Towns volunteers.
The flower bed enhancement, which has been part-funded by the Tidy Towns Ireland Department of Rural and Community Development Pobal grant and the Kerry County Council Community Support Fund, commenced last month when Tralee Tidy Towns volunteers and students from the CBS The Green students helped to prepare the beds.
The Kerry County Council Tralee MD team added some topsoil and provided mulch and volunteers from Kerry Group HQ helped out the Tralee Tidy Towns team to plant the flowers last week with support from garden and landscape designer Anita Barber who designed the flower beds and the Brandon Hotel who assisted with irrigation.
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Tralee Tidy Towns Chair, Brendan O’Brien said: “We’re very proud of this project that saw a diverse set of stakeholders come together to improve the appearance of Prince’s St and enhance the area for pollinators. A lot of the plants included in the design are pollinator-friendly like Verbena and Lavender and they will provide food sources for bees and butterflies as they establish, as well as improving the look and feel of the area”
A Kerry Group representative said; “Kerry Group is proud to support the excellent work of Tralee Tidy Towns and look forward to continuing our valuable partnership in the future.”
.Ballygarry Estate Marketing Executive Norma O’Connor with Managing Director at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa Padraig McGillicuddy and General Manager Thys Vogel at the new bridge on the 5k trail. Photo by Domnick Walsh
BALLYGARRY Estate Hotel has announced a new 5km trail connecting its grounds to Ballyseedy Woods via two new bridges funded by Kerry County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
This project marks a significant milestone in the development of Tralee’s wood walks and trails for tourists and locals alike.
This now offers a seamless connection between Ballygarry Estate walks and Ballyseedy Woods. The 5km looped trail allows visitors to explore the woods while also taking in the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains.
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“This has been a wonderful collaboration between Kerry County Council & Ballygarry Estate,” said Padraig McGillicuddy, Managing Director at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa. .
“We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition and to have this new amenity for the North Kerry area, for guests & locals alike to enjoy. Of all projects we have done this has been the most satisfying. It will never return the investment but Ballygarry is coming up on 70 years, I felt we owed this to the community that supports us.”
The work was from the joint efforts of Kerry County Council, Tadhg McGillicuddy Engineering, MRG Engineering, and Mike Cronin & Sons Plant Hire over the past three years to deliver this combined 180-acre Woodland and Estate.
Access points to the trails are from Ballygarry Estate or the existing two Ballyseedy carparks north and south.
Padraig explained that enhancing the trail amenity does not stop there. “It has been a part of our Greenway vision for years but it’s great to see the opening in sight. We will continue our vision in the hope of connecting the Estate to the Tralee Greenway in the next year or so. Local funding through Kerry County Council along with €1.5m from Ballygarry has made this all possible,” he said.
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, warmly welcomed the new amenity: “This is a fabulous addition to our local network of walkways and cycleways and enhances Tralee’s reputation as being home to top-class leisure facilities.”
.The winners of the People Of UHK Awards 2024 at an event in Ballygarry Estate last week. Photo by Domnick Walsh
UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry (UHK) hosted its annual People of UHK Awards on Tuesday, August 6th at the Pavilion in Ballygarry Estate, celebrating the extraordinary dedication and commitment of its staff members.
This prestigious event recognised the remarkable contributions of individuals and teams across every discipline within the hospital, with a special focus on those who have made a significant impact on the lives of patients, families, and colleagues.
General Manager of UHK, Mary Fitgerald, speaking at the awards said “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of UHK this year, the People of UHK Awards take on even greater significance. This milestone underscores our long-standing commitment to excellence in patient care and community support.”
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The awards ceremony highlighted the exceptional efforts of staff who consistently prioritise patient care and support the overall UHK team.
Nominations were received from peers, patients, and visitors, reflecting the strong bond between UHK and the community it serves. An independent panel of judges meticulously selected the winners based on heartfelt comments received from the nominators.
Award Winners:
Mary Stack Courtney
Leadership Award: Mary Stack Courtney, Assistant Director of Midwifery, was honoured for her exemplary leadership, calmness at all times, and unwavering dedication to patient care.
People of UHK Award:
Michelle O’Sullivan
• Michelle O’Sullivan, Ward Clerk, recognised for her respect, helpfulness, and exceptional service to staff, patients, and families.
.Binumon Vijayan Nair
• Binumon Vijayan Nair, Cardiac Physiologist, celebrated for his caring attitude, professionalism, and positive impact on patients and colleagues.
UHK Emergency Department Team.
• Team of the Year Award: The Emergency Department team was acknowledged for their outstanding collaboration, compassion, and dedication to patient care despite challenging conditions.
Unsung Champion Award:
Chris Carmody
• Chris Carmody, Administrative Officer Emergency Dept/AMU, praised for her cheerful and supportive attitude, positively influencing every team she works with.
.Denis McCarthy
• Denis McCarthy, Support Service Manager, recognised for his selfless acts of kindness and support for colleagues throughout the hospital.
Service Excellence Award:
Mary Keane
• Mary Keane, Cardiology RGN, honoured for her warmth, empathy, and exceptional support to patients and their families.
Sabrina Spillane
• Sabrina Spillane, Orthopaedic Secretary, celebrated for her kindness, helpfulness, and generous support to patients.
.Lynda McCarthy
• Lynda McCarthy, Catering Assistant, recognised for her compassionate care and professionalism in ensuring patients’ needs are met.
Patient Care Award:
Denis Culloty
• Denis Culloty, Porter Emergency Department, celebrated for his dedication, professionalism, and charitable efforts to support patients and their families.
Jonathon Harmon
• Jonathon Harmon, Healthcare Assistant Muckross Ward, honoured for his genuine care, positive attitude, and exceptional support to patients and families.
.Deirdre Dorgan
• Deirdre Dorgan, Palliative / Nursing, recognised for her compassionate care and unwavering support during patients’ most difficult times.
Special Awards:
UHK Sports & Social Club
Kindness Award: UHK Sports & Social Team, acknowledged for their exceptional acts of kindness and dedication to the well-being of others.
.Dr Liam Chawke
Outstanding Newcomer Award: Dr Liam Chawke, Respiratory Consultant, honoured for his remarkable contributions to the hospital as well as his innovation and dedication in provision of respiratory services.
Jimmy Connor
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jimmy Connor, Retired Porter from the Pharmacy Service in UHK, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment, loyalty, and compassionate service to UHK. Jimmy’s remarkable journey and genuine character have left an indelible mark on the hospital and its community.
THE club night, Access, returns to Tralee on this Saturday for its eighth instalment.
After hosting nights featuring DJs D-Unity, Jon Rundell, Jamie Behan, Cailin, Trevor Rockcliffe, Maedbh O’Connor, this time it’s a resident takeover at The Greyhound Bar’s live venue with DJs Paul Sweeney and Brendan O’Leary starting off with all things house music.
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Jonno Brien will deliver funky techno and dance classics, finishing off with techno with a special b2b set from Flaen and Sean Cummins.
Door from 10.30pm with a late bar. All tickets are on the door at €10, right of admission reserved, over 18s only.
TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee Festival/Féile Thrá Lí is brought to you by CH Tralee…
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It’s here! The Rose of Tralee Festival and Féile Thrá Lí officially kicks off today and with the weather expected to stay dry, you should try to get out and enjoy the entertainment. Here’s a few things to get up to today…
1. Fabulous Farmers Market
Expect the Island of Geese to be busy throughout the day (9am to 5pm) as a mix of local and Irish artisan producers will be displaying their goodies. There will also be music entertainment and more to keep everyone happy.
2. Visit Family Town…
The Town Park is the place to bring the kids all through the next five days. Attractions include The School of Irish Archaeology’s Big Dig, Dance Zone, Kerry Library’s Dee the Bee Story Trail, Bounce World, Pop-Up Gaeltacht, and much more.
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3. Mind, body and soul…
Presented by Quest & Thrive, the Wellness Zone has Meditation, Yoga, breathwork, soundbath, talks & workshops at Páirc an Phiarsaigh for all the family. For registration & info on events, click here
4. Go walkabout in the town centre…
The town centre will be packed on Friday and there’s loads to see. The food stalls will feed you everything from noodles to nachos, burgers to burritos. There’ll be loads of family entertainment in The Mall and The Square and stalls to browse in the sunshine (we hope).
5. Fly with Birds…
The highlight of the week for kids and teenagers is of course Birds Amusements and, after opening yesterday, the fun continues at Ivy Terrace and the Brandon Car Park from 2pm daily until Sunday, August 25.
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6. Welcome the Roses…
The opening ceremony of the Rose of Tralee will be presented by Kerry County Council at the Island of Geese from 4pm.
The 32 Roses and their escorts will be present with entertainment from Music Generation Kerry and local Tenor Noel Heaslip and the public are welcome to come along.
7. Beats on the streets…
Féile Thrá Lí is all about music and it’s everywhere on Friday. Crowds will flock to the Tom Jones, Dolly Parton, Rod Stewart and Cher tribute acts on Denny Street, but there’s loads more free music on the street for other genres.
Highlights include north Kerry rock act Strange Brew on the Castle Street stage from 9.30pm playing everything from The Strokes to Blur, Thin Lizzy to The Beatles and over in The Square sees Mó Cushla take to the stage from 9pm to 11pm.
5. Fly with Birds…
