Daily Archives: August 29, 2024

News, SCHOOLS

Lyreacrompane Community NS Opens Under Patronage Of Kerry ETB

.
Excited smiles all around form some of the pupils as they celebrate the very first day of the school opening as a Lyreacrompane Community National School!

LYREACROMPANE Community National School (Lyreacrompane CNS) welcomed pupils this week for the first time under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB).

This is the fourth community national school to open its doors in the county under the patronage of Kerry ETB.

This first day marked the culmination of months of preparation following the school’s transition from its previous Catholic ethos to a multidenominational framework.

Continued below…

.

Principal Eilish Lyons explained; “Today is a significant milestone for our school. We are proud to have grown from 18 to 28 pupils this new school year, a testament to the community’s trust in our new direction. This growth is more than just numbers, it’s about offering choice in education and children and parents.”

The introduction of a school bus service now connects students from surrounding areas to Lyreacrompane.

“For the first time, we have a bus that brings our students to school,” Eilish noted. “This not only eases the burden on parents but also creates a sense of unity among the children who travel together each day.”

The transition to a community national school, which makes Lyreacrompane CNS the only school offering this choice in North Kerry, has been met with enthusiasm.

Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, expressed her satisfaction with the progress: “The opening day of Lyreacrompane Community National School under our patronage is a momentous occasion. We are thrilled to see the positive impact this change is already having. The increase in student numbers shows that families are eager to embrace this new model of education, which emphasises inclusivity, critical thinking, and community engagement.”

The school’s commitment to inclusivity is further exemplified by the introduction of the Goodness Me, Goodness You! programme, a unique feature of community national schools designed to support the holistic development of each child.

“We’re excited about offering this new programme that will encourage our students to think more deeply and critically,” said Eilish Lyons. “This approach will not only enhance their academic skills but also prepare them to be thoughtful and engaged members of society.”

As the first day drew to a close, there was a shared sense of optimism about the future. “This is just the beginning,” Eilish Lyons reflected. “We’re looking forward to building on this foundation, with the support of Kerry ETB, to continue offering a first-class education in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

News

Gardaí Seize Illegal Drugs Worth €15,000 Over Past Week In Kerry

.
Cash and drugs seized by Kerry Gardaí over the past week. Photo: An Garda Síochána

GARDAI in the Kerry Divisional Drug Unit, supported by the Community Engagement Units seized around €15,000 worth of drugs in the past week as part of Operation Tara.

They engaged in an operation targeting local street dealers in towns and villages across the county  and as a part of this operation a large number of persons and premises have been searched.

Street deals of heroin, cocaine and cannabis, along with the detection of two cannabis grow houses, resulted in the detection of approximately €15,000 worth of controlled drugs.

Continued below…

.

Gardaí also targeted the proceeds of these street dealers, resulting in the seizure of substantial sums of cash, scooters and vehicles.

Operation Tara focuses on tackling street level dealing in cities, towns and villages across the country and in turn keeping people safe in our community.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

News

Cyclists Coming For L’Étape Event Encouraged To Cycle The Greenways

.
Mayor of Kerry, Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald joined Oliver Kirwan from L’Etape Ireland and Sarah Ann Egan from the Roadman Podcast on the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways recently as Kerry prepares to welcome L’Étape Ireland to its shores on 7 September 2024. Photo: Pauline Dennigan

AS the much-anticipated L’Étape Ireland makes its grand debut in Killarney on September 7, up to 2,000 cycling enthusiasts and tourists alike are set to explore Kerry’s beautiful cycling routes, including the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways.

This prestigious event, crafted in collaboration with the Tour de France organisers and local cyclists, promises an exciting opportunity to experience the unique thrills and challenges of a Tour de France stage in Ireland for the first time.

The start and finish points are in Killarney town but beyond the thrill of the race, visitors to Kerry are encouraged to delve deeper into the Kingdom of Kerry and discover its other routes including the stunning Greenways, offering serene and picturesque routes for cyclists of all levels.

Continued below…

.

Mayor of Kerry, Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald commented: “Kerry is not only the host of L’Étape Ireland but also home to many beautiful cycling routes including the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways, which provide an idyllic setting for safe, leisurely rides and explorations. These Greenways are perfect for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kerry at a relaxed pace, away from the competitive atmosphere of the race.”

As cyclists gear up for the exhilarating challenge of L’Étape Ireland, they are encouraged the to take up the opportunity to explore the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways. For more information about L’Étape Ireland, visit https://ireland.letapebytourdefrance.com

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: First Day At School For Holy Family NS And Tralee Educate Together Pupils

.
Junior Infants on their first day at school at Tralee Educate Together with teacher Gail Kelly, Anne Condon and Principal Mary Brosnan. Photo by Dermot Crean

THIS week sees hundreds of boys and girls around the Tralee area begin their schooldays and a new journey in life.

On went the uniforms, lunches were packed and parents said their goodbyes as the junior infants settled into their classes to begin their adventure.

This was the case in Holy Family NS where around 40 pupils started school in Ms Kelly’s and Ms Murphy’s classes. Meanwhile 11 pupils started school at Tralee Educate Together in Ms Kelly’s junior infants class. Scroll down for photos…

Junior infants on their first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Junior infants on their first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Junior infants on their first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Teacher Treasa Murphy with one of her junior infants on the first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Junior infants on their first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Yelai Bel SNA with junior infants teacher Treasa Murphy and pupils on their first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caitriona Chester SNA with junior infants teacher Ciara Kelly and pupils on their first day of school at Holy Family NS on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

News, Sport

UCD Coming To Mounthawk Park For Friday Night Football

.

Ivan Hurley previews the SSE Airtricity First Division game at Mounthawk Park this Friday night…

And then there were eight. The finish line for the 2024 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign is now well and truly in sight after a busy summer for the Kingdom.

With the kids back to school and the autumn leaves beginning to land on the artificial surface in Mounthawk, what’s important now is to finish out the season as strongly as possible before the winter break.

The Kingdom, buoyed by bringing Bohemians all the way to penalties in the cup 2 weeks ago secured a point on the road in Bishopsgate last Saturday.

That stopped a rot of 3 straight defeats in Longford for the Kingdom but left the players and management searching for a reason for not leaving with all 3 points.

Continued below…

.

A nice little 9th vs. 10th place battle is ongoing for the remainder of the season between the two, with the Kingdom keeping the 4-point advantage following the entertaining 2-2 draw.

UCD AFC meanwhile have all but secured a play-off berth for the end of the season. 16 points behind leaders Cork City with 8 games to go would seem to be an unassailable advantage for the Leesiders, while 12 points away from missing out on the playoffs seems as though we will be seeing the students in a push for an immediate return to the top flight.

But seeding will be important for UCD and with a 2nd place finish the most desirable, there is no fear that UCD will bring a second string to Mounthawk Park on Friday.

So a game that matters most to both teams should lead to another epic edition between the sides who have only met each other 3 times previously.

Continued below…

.

An opening 1-1 draw in Belfield has been backed up by two narrow 2-1 wins for the students over the 3 meetings. There is never anything between the sides and expect Friday night’s clash to be no different.

California native Ethan Kos is the only man to have worn the UCD and Kerry FC jersey. The Kerry defender played his trade with UCD during his studies there last year, but not for their League of Ireland but the side playing in the Leinster Senior League. Kos was snapped up for Kerry in the summer window of 2023 and hasn’t looked back since.

After a gruelling couple of weeks, Kerry FC continue to report a good bill of health ahead of this one. Andy Spain did limp off in last week’s game against Longford Town in Bishopsgate with 10 minutes to go.

Antonio Tuta is almost ready for a return and could make the matchday squad for this one. In positive news, Valerii Dolia made his return from a long-term injury last weekend to the delight of the Kerry faithful

“It’s safe to say they are a very good side, some great players and they are very well set up,” said Conor McCarthy.

“The players they have are of a very high quality but I think in the three times we’ve played them to date we have been very competitive. We probably should have nicked the game earlier in the season, Ryan was dubiously enough in an offside position and we could have had all three points.

“The players can take confidence from the games against them to date and I’m sure they are looking forward to getting back into Mounthawk and giving it a right rattle.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Business/Property, News

Tralee-Based Businesswomen Encourage Others To Apply For ACORNS Programme

.
Clare Gormley, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine with Orla Brosnan, Clippity Clop
Photo: Orla Murray/Coalesce

TWO Kerry-based busineswomen, Letitia Fealy, founder of Lotus Optimisation, and Orla Brosnan, founder of Clippity Clop Therapeutic Horse Riding and Activities, have successfully completed the ACORNS programme – a highly-successful development initiative to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.

They are encouraging other women in Kerry to apply for the next cycle of the free business development programme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

ACORNS (Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups) has been providing a decade of support for female entrepreneurship in rural Ireland and has recently launched the 10th cycle of the business development programme.

Continued below…

.

The free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).

Letitia Fealy is the founder of Lotus Optimisation, a Tralee-based digital marketing solutions company for micro-businesses and SMEs.

Clare Gormley, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine with Letitia Fealy, Lotus Optimisation.Photo: Orla Murray/Coalesce

“Participating in the ACORNS programme has been instrumental in driving my business forward in such a short space of time,” said Letitia. “Being in a group of ambitious entrepreneurs that celebrate your successes, share your struggles, and motivate you to believe in yourself and the value of your business, is inspiring. Having a Lead Entrepreneur that has walked the path before you, offering guidance and support is invaluable. ACORNS helps you set solid business foundations on which to grow your business. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to grow their businesses with support and accountability.”

Orla Brosnan is the founder of Clippity Clop Therapeutic Horse Riding and Activities, an inclusive pony camp based at the Tralee Equestrian Centre.

Orla studied equine science at the University of Limerick before going on the University of Arizona in the US where she studied Equine Race Track Management.

Orla says: “It has been an absolute honour to have been part of the ACORNS 9 programme. To have been surrounded with supportive and knowledgeable women who all have your back just made it an amazing six months. It is not easy to choose the route to be an entrepreneur but with the ACORNS programme it reminds you why you did choose it and that it is possible when you surround yourself with the right people. The best advice I could give anyone is, if you are thinking of applying, there is no need to think twice, just do it!”

The deadline for applications for this special 10th anniversary cycle is midnight, September 20th. There are up to 50 places available for ACORNS 10. Those wishing to receive an application form should register on the website (www.acorns.ie).

Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2021, are eligible to apply. As ACORNS receives many more applications than there are places available, selection is on a competitive basis.

ACORNS 10 will run from October 2024 to April 2025 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a workshop on understanding financials, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..