All posts by Dermot Crean

News

PHOTOS: Young People Celebrated At Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards

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Distinction Award winner Ciara Lynch (third left), Caherleaheen, and Merit Award winner Leanne Savage (fourth left), Tralee, with Anthony Lynch, Margaret Lynch, Antoinette Savage and Gerard Savage at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

OVER 250 people from across the county attended the 20th year celebration of the Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2017 in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee on Friday.

The evening commenced with dinner and was followed by a presentation of 27 awards, accompanied with an inspiring citation of each winner’s achievements. There were 22 Merit Awards, four Distinction Awards and the Overall Winner Award presented on the night.

Nineteen year old Dale O’Carroll from Greenville in Listowel was described as inspirational when he was announced as the Overall Winner of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2017.

Overall winner Dale O’Carroll, Listowel, with mom and dad Paul and Claudette O’Carroll and from left; Noelle Lanigan, Marian Dee, Assistant Commissioner Southern Region, Ann Marie McMahon, Chief Supt Tom Myers, Supt Jim O’Connor, Myra O’Carroll, Noreen Mulvihill, Supt Dan Keane, Gerard and Paddy Mulvihill at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Dale was presented with a specially commissioned crystal trophy and the Overall Winner Certificate to mark his achievement.

Dale who plays basketball with Special Olympics in Tralee offers great encouragement with their younger participants.

Dale who works in SuperValu in Listowel regularly volunteers in Listowel Garden Centre and in the summer he volunteered at Deenagh Lodge Coffee shop in Killarney.

He was also recognised for his dedication to his Nan who is 85 years old and lives in Ballybunion. Dale loves spending time with his Nan and visits her every day to help with chores and sing songs together.

He is always smiling, he lights up the room with joy and has a positive attitude whenever he goes.

The four Distinction Award Winners were: Saoirse Casey, Crag, Castleisland; Miriam Hanlon, Asdee Village, Listowel; Ciara Lynch, Caherleaheen, Tralee and Abbi O’Mahoney, Ballydribeen, Killarney.

Merit Award winner Hugo Wells, Tralee, with Emma Molloy, Trisha Nolan and Linda Murphy at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

The four distinction winners each received a Children of Lir bronze trophy and a Distinction Award Certificate to mark their achievement in this year’s awards.

Twenty two Merit Award Certificates were also presented to: Kelly Ahern, Firies; Darragh Boyd, Tralee; Adam Butler, Abbeydorney; Rachel Dunne, Tralee; Amy Flynn, Killarney; Davin Godfrey, Listowel; Maisie Hall, Castlegregory; Padraig Hunt, Lixnaw; DJ Kelleher, Kilgarvan; Mary Ellen McCarthy, Kilgarvan; Aoife Mahony, Listowel; Michael Murphy, Listowel; David Murrell Musgrave, Killarney; Clodagh Ní Shiúrdáin, Daingean Uí Chúis; Niall O’Brien, Beaufort, Killarney; Siobhan O’Byrne, Killorglin; Máirtín Ó’Cathasaigh, Lios Póil; Conor Horgan, Ardfert; Mary O’Sullivan, Killarney; Leanne Savage, Tralee; Hugo Wells, Tralee and Tara Whittington, Caherciveen.

Donal Pierse, Chairperson, Lee Strand commented; “Lee Strand is delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards since 1998. Over the past 20 years Lee Strand in association with An Garda Siochana have always been proactive in acknowledging and identifying the positive work by young people and voluntary groups to enhance community life in Kerry. The awards are a fantastic celebration of their outstanding achievements.”

Chief Superintendent Tom Myers stated “An Garda Síochána consider it essential to engage in a positive fashion with the young people in our communities. In doing so it is necessary to acknowledge positive achievements by those young people, whether these are in the fields of voluntary work in the community, sport, or education. It would not be possible to acknowledge this achievement and have an occasion whereby the families of nominees can join in the celebrations without the support from Lee Strand, the local Co-Op highly respected in the community.” Scroll down for photos…

Merit Award winner Tara Whittington (second right), Cahersiveen, with John, Daniel and Breeda Whittington at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Merit Award winner Rachel Dunne (centre), Tralee, with Thomas O’Sullivan and Kathleen Dunne at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Distinction Award winner, Abbi O’Mahony (centre), Killarney, with Philip McCarthy, Noeleen O’Mahony, Ronan Galvin and Catherine O’Mahony at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Merit Award winner, Davin Godfrey (centre), Listowel, with Patrick, Mary and Helen Godfrey and David Nagle at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Merit Award winner Siobhan O’Byrne, KIllorglin, with Philip O’Byrne at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Distinction Award winner Saoirse Casey (third left), Castleisland, with Roisin, Orla and Lorna Casey, Kieran Enright and Con Casey at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Merit Award winner Darragh Boyd, Tralee, with Ger, Ava and Roz Boyd at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Merit Award winners Máirtín Ó’Cathasaigh, Lios Póil and Clodagh Ní Shiúrdáin, Daingean Uí Chúis at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Merit Award winner Adam Butler, Abbeydorney, with Pat Butler and Sarah Hayes at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Merit Award winner David Murrell Musgrave, Killarney, with David Musgrave and Mereassa Murrell Musgraveat the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Garda Cathy Murphy, Assistant Commissioner Ann Marie McMahon, Southern Region, Garda Liz Twomey, Juvenile Liaison Officer, Chief Superintendent Tom Myers and Garda Patricia Fitzpatrick at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Merit Award winner Niall O’Brien, Beaufort, with Edel O’Brien and Fiona Furlong at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Merit Award winners Padraig Hunt, Lixnaw and Mikey Murphy, Listowel, with Daniel, Nora, Sean and James Hunt, Mike and Josephine Murphy at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Merit Award winner Kelly Ahern, Firies, with David and Majella Ahern at the Lee Strand Garda Youth Achievement Awards at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: Table Quiz To Help Send Na Gaeil Group To All-Ireland Finals

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Liz Sugrue, Lucy Crowe, Maureen Guerin and Breda O’Regan at the Scór fundraising table quiz at Na Gaeil GAA Club on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was a good turnout in Na Gaeil GAA Club on Friday night for a table quiz to help send the club’s Léiriú team to the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg finals next month.

The Na Gaeil (Tralee/St. Brendans) team — made up of Barra Ó Siochrú, Isobel Ní Chonchra, Áine Ní Shúilleabhbáin, Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin, Dearbhla Ní Chuirc, Joshua de Róiste, Emily Ní Chonchra, Liam Óg Ó Cinnseamáin — are off to the Knockrea Arena, Sligo I.T., on Saturday, February 17.

“We’re really excited about it. So far we’ve competed in the regionals, the county semis, the county final, the Munster semi, Munster finals and now the All-Irelands,” said member of the group Barra Ó Siochrú.

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“Our act is ‘Irish Mammy On Strike’ which is about a mammy going on strike because she is being treated the way she is,” said Barry.

There was plenty of spot prizes on offer on the night and all at the club are hoping they’ll bring home the title in three weeks time. Scroll down for photos…

Morgan Sheehy, John Herlihy, Ger Donnelly and Pat Sheehy at the Scór fundraising table quiz at Na Gaeil GAA Club on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rosie Duffy, David Doyle and Shane O’Brien at the Scór fundraising table quiz at Na Gaeil GAA Club on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Jenny Sheehy, Cathy Carey and Therese Keating at the Scór fundraising table quiz at Na Gaeil GAA Club on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Dearbhla Quirke, Barry Sugrue, Helen Sugrue and Sadhbh Keating at the Scór fundraising table quiz at Na Gaeil GAA Club on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

McCann At The Movies: ‘Coco’ Is A Visually Stunning And Entertaining Tale

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Our movie guy, John McCann, says ‘Coco’ is another triumph for Pixar studios…

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz .

Desperate to prove his talent and  following a mysterious chain of events Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead.

‘Coco’.

Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

A Disney/Pixar production with Lee Unrich (Toy Story 3) in the director’s chair, ‘Coco’ was a film that showed promise from the outset.

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Combining a visually stunning canvas (the underworld is one of Pixars astounding spectacles to date) to a tale rich in folklore and custom, along with what can be tricky subject matter for a family film in themes life and death, it was always going to be a difficult task.

But as we have come to expect from any Pixar production these days, they deliver emphatically with this latest offering showing the originality and imagination that are contained throughout so much of Pixar’s back catalogue.

Firstly, the film looks amazing, with the colourful animation playing a starring role in the films core message. The narrative too, glides along at a comfortable pace with plenty of laughs along the way for all the family to enjoy.

The strong moral and emotional message that entertains both young and old is prominent here also with more than a trace of Pixar’s 2015 big hit ‘Inside Out’ in the way that these delicate life lessons are delivered.

Critical acclaim has already been achieved with this film recently winning the Golden Globe for Best Animation and with an Oscar nomination behind it also, don’t be surprised if that’s not the end of the silverware before the season ends.

Following on from a year of family friendly box office success in Ireland, where family films made up 60% of the top 10 grossing box office, 2018 has begun quite strongly again with this latest fantastical offering hopefully the signs of things to come.

Overall, ‘Coco’ is a visually and emotionally rich and highly entertaining family friendly tale that will bring a smile to all both young and old. Highly recommended!

4/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

News

Know Your Rights: Maternity Leave

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Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…

Question: I recently started working in a new job on a part-time basis. I have just learned that I am pregnant – will I be entitled to maternity leave?

Answer: If you are pregnant while in employment, you are entitled to take maternity leave. The entitlement to a basic period of maternity leave from employment applies to all female employees (including casual workers), regardless of how long you have been working for the organisation or the number of hours you work per week.

You are also entitled to additional unpaid maternity leave. The Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004 provide your statutory minimum entitlements in relation to maternity at work, including maternity leave.

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You are entitled to 26 weeks’ maternity leave together with 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave, which begins immediately after the end of maternity leave.

Your entitlement to pay and superannuation (pension payments) during maternity leave depends on the terms of your contract of employment.

Employers are not obliged to pay women who are on maternity leave. You may qualify for Maternity Benefit from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if you have enough PRSI contributions.

However an employee’s contract could provide for additional rights to payment during the leave period, so that, for example, the employee could receive full pay less the amount of Maternity Benefit payable.

If you have a dispute with your employer about maternity leave or if you have been dismissed due to a matter connected with your pregnancy or for claiming your rights under maternity leave legislation, you may make a complaint within six months of the dispute or complaint occurring.

You must use the online complaint form available on workplacerelations.ie. The time limit may be extended for up to a further six months, but only where there is a reasonable cause which prevented the complaint being brought within the normal time limit.

You should apply for Maternity Benefit at least six weeks before your baby’s due date. Apply to the Maternity Benefit Section of the DEASP.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Service below.

• Contact us in Tralee on Tel: 0761 07 7860 Killarney 0761 07 7820, Listowel 0761 07 7840 Kenmare 0761 07 7810, Killorglin 0761 07830 & Caherciveen 0761 07 7780.

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000

GAA, Sport

Here’s The Kerry Side To Face London In League Opener

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Mike O’Halloran looks at the Kerry Senior Hurling Team to play London in Round 1 of the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A on Sunday in McGovern Park, Ruislip…

Padraig Boyle.

A BIG day out awaits the Kerry Hurlers on Sunday in London when they take their first steps on the road back to Division 1B.

There are five changes from the team made to start against Cork. I made a stab at naming a team last week. I got the fullback line correct, with John Buckley, Bryan Murphy and Mr Consistant Sean Weir.

Stephen Murphy starts in goals as Martin Stackpoole recovers from injury.

James O’Connor and two Kilmoyley men, namely Daniel Collins and Tom Murnane. Daniel Collins has returned from the ski slopes all set to command the centre back position.

Daithi Griffin and Brandon Barrett are at midfield, Griffin has been excellent in all the pre-season games.

Paddy Kelly returns to the fold to start, he didn’t play in any of the opening games, his experience and power will be an asset on the right wing.

Shane Nolan is at centre forward but I expect him to swap positions with Kelly from the off.

A large contingent from Kilflynn are already in town to support Shane: Jordan and Sean Weir along with young Adam O’Sullivan who is the sub keeper.

Shane Conway seems to have recovered from a hand injury to take the number twelve shirt, I’m really looking forward to seeing him light up Ruislip.

The captain and Ballyduff man Padraig Boyle retains the corner forward position, Colum Harty a goal scorer against Cork is to operate at full forward, I’m not sure if this is his best position.

I think he operates better on the wing. Jordan Conway completes the line up and is sure to be a thorn in the side of London.  Rory Horgan also returns to the bench after a lay off.

Anything less than a comprehensive win for The Kingdom will be a surprise, but you never know what kind of a challenge London might provide.

The team captained by Pádraig Boyle is as follows.

1. Stephen Murphy, Causeway

2.  John Buckley, Lixnaw

3. Bryan Murphy, Causeway

4. Sean Weir, Crotta O’Neills

5. James O’Connor, Abbeydorney

6. Daniel Collins, Kilmoyley

7. Tom Murnane, Kilmoyley

8. Dáithí Griffin, St. Brendans

9. Brandon Barrett, Causeway

10. Patrick Kelly, Clarecastle

11. Shane Nolan, Crotta O’Neills

12. Shane Conway, Lixnaw

13. Padraig Boyle, Ballyduff

14. Colum Harty, Causeway

15. Jordan Conway, Crotta O’Neills

Fir Ionaid:

16. Adam O’Sullivan, Crotta O’Neills

17. Rory Horgan, St Brendan’s

18. Niall O’Mahony, Abbeydorney

19. Philip Lucid, Ballyheigue

20. Jack Goulding, Ballyduff

21. Maurice O’Connor,Kilmoyley

22. Daniel O’Carroll, Ballyduff

23. Dougie Fitzell, Kilmoyley

24. Brendan O’Leary, Abbeydorney

25. Evan Murphy, Causeway

26. Paudie O’Connor, Kilmoyley

GAA, Sport

Coffey To Start As Kerry Team Features Number Of Tralee Players

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DAVID Clifford is to start his first game for the Kerry senior team in a line-up that sees a number of Tralee players featuring.

Kerins O’Rahillys Cormac Coffey also makes the team for Kerry against Donegal on Sunday, with his club mate Barry John Keane, Jack Barry of Na Gaeil, Ronan Shanahan of Austin Stacks also on the team sheet.

Greg Horan of Stacks, Andrew Barry of Na Gaeil and Jack Savage of Kerins O’Rahillys are on the bench. It’s an interesting line-up with young players like Jason Foley, Michael Burns and Sean O Sé also featuring.

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The team captained by Shane Murphy is as follows…

1. Shane Murphy, Dr. Crokes

2. Cormac Coffey, Kerins O’Rahillys

3. Jason Foley,Ballydonoghue

4. Shane Enright, Tarbert

5. Paul Murphy,  Rathmore

6. Gavin Crowley, Templenoe

7., Ronan Shanahan, Austin Stacks

8. Jack Barry, Na Gaeil

9. Brendan O’Sullivan, Valentia

10. Michael Burns, Dr. Crokes

11. Seán Ó Sé,Kenmare

12. Stephen O’Brien, Kenmare

13. David Clifford, Fossa

14.  Paul Geaney, Dingle

15. Barry John Keane, Kerins O’Rahillys

Fir Ionaid:

16. Brian Kelly, Killarney Legion

17. James O’Donoghue, Killarney Legion

18. Jack Savage, Kerins O’Rahillys

19. Barry O’Sullivan, Dingle

20. Matthew Flaherty, Dingle

21. Dáithí Casey, Dr. Crokes

22. Andrew Barry, Na Gaeil

23. Killian Spillane, Templenoe

24. Greg Horan, Austin Stacks

25. Brian Ó Seanacháin, Ballydonoghue

26. Tom (Leo) O’Sullivan, Dingle

Other Sports, Other Sports

Tralee Harriers Athletics Club News

 

IT has been a busy January for Tralee Harriers Athletic Club, as the athletes set off on their journey to glory in both Indoor and Track and Field.

The club didn’t have to wait too long for the first round of medals to come in, with the Juvenile Pentathlons & Junior, Senior and Master individual events happening on the first two weekends in the Month

The athletes achieved the following honours over a fortnight at Munster Indoor Events

Patsy O’Connor Masters athlete… Triple Gold in the Shot, Weight for Distance & High Jump

Ger Henry Master Athlete… Gold in the 60m, Silver in the 200m and Long jump

Aoibheann O’Brien U23 Athlete… Double Gold in 60m and Long Jump setting a new record for the age group

Rachel Bowler Junior athlete… Bronze in Long Jump, Silver in Triple Jump & Silver in Senior Long jump

Orla O’Reilly Junior athlete…. Silver in Junior 60m and Gold in the Senior 60m

Elinor Dennison Junior athlete… Bronze in the Senior 60m and 4th in both the Junior and Senior Long Jump

Luke O’Carroll Junior athlete…. Bronze in the Junior Long Jump, Silver as part of Junior Relay

Basit Oyebanji Junior athlete… Did well in individual events and gained a Silver in the Junior Relay

Owen Healy Junior Athlete… Did well in Individual events and gained a Silver in the Junior Relay

Oisin Spillane Junior Athlete… Took the Bronze in the 1500m and gained a Silver in the Junior Relay

Leanne Cronin Junior Athlete…. Did well in both her Junior and Senior Shots

Cathal Fitzgibbon Junior Athlete… did well in his opening run in the Senior 800m setting a decent time of 2.08

Two Tralee Harriers athletes attend National Level Events this month.

Jordan Kissane returned to Munster to take part in the U16 Combined Events taking the silver medal, he then followed this up with a fine performance at the Irish Life Health National Combined Events in Athlone on Saturday 20th January. Jordan set a new PB in the Long Jump 5.58m helping to him to take the Silver medal after a fine run the 800m.

Cillian Griffin U17 has had a busy month. He opened his 2018 season with Gold in the U18 Pentathlon in Nenagh, along with Silver in the Junior Boys 4*200m relay, and 4th in the Junior 60m and bronze in the Senior 60m.

He took Silver in the Junior Triple Jump and Bronze in both the Senior Long Jump with new PB of 6.31 and the Senior 200m.

At the Irish Life Health National Combined Events in Athlone on Saturday 20th January he performed very well setting two new PB’s in the Hurdles of 9.01sec, and a height of 1.70m in the High Jump He finished in Third taking a well deserved bronze medal.

Tralee Harriers congratulate Rachel Bowler on being selected by the Juvenile Committee of the Athletic Association of Ireland as the Juvenile Star of the Year for County Kerry at the Emerald Crystal National Star Awards.. This is great recognition of Rachel’s achievements in 2017. This is the second year in a row to receive this honour.

Next up is the Munster Juvenile events from U9 to U19. These will take place in February and it is sure to be one where medals will come a plenty.

Training plan for this week is as follows…

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News

TUI Staff To Stage Lunchtime Protest Next Week

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TEACHERS Union of Ireland (TUI) members will stage a lunchtime protest over pay inequality next week at many schools and educational institutions in Kerry and around the country.

At lunchtime on Thursday, February 1, Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) members will protest against pay inequality outside the post-primary schools, FET Centres, colleges of further education and Institutes of Technology in which they work. Service to students will not be affected by the protest.

The TUI say teachers and lecturers who entered the system since 2011 are paid at a lower rate (lower salary scale) than their colleagues for carrying out the same work.

“Pay inequality has undermined the teaching profession and corroded staff morale, leading to a crisis in the recruitment and retention of teachers. This inevitably impairs the quality of service to students.

Recruitment problems are evident both across the country and across a broad range of subjects including, but not limited to, Mathematics, Science, Modern Languages, Irish and Home Economics,” reads a statement from the TUI.

There has been a 62% collapse in applications for post-primary teacher training courses since 2011, while a TUI survey in 2017 showed that 29% of new or recent entrants to the profession did not see themselves in the job in ten years’ time.

The emigration rate of recently qualified post-primary teachers has increased from 4% in 2008 to 18%-21% in 2014.

“The only guaranteed way of ensuring the retention of teachers and the recruitment of those needed for the future is to repair the professional integrity of teaching by restoring pay equality,” reads the statement.

Business/Property, Health&Fitness, Lifestyle

Colm Cooper And Joe O’Connor To Speak At Health And Wellbeing Event

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Colm Cooper.

AIB Tralee, in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance, are holding a Health & Wellbeing event in The Ashe Hotel next week with two great speakers lined up.

On Thursday, February 1, Joe O’Connor of Nisus Fitness and creator of Ireland’s Fittest Family, and Kerry Person of the Year Colm “Gooch” Cooper will talk about all things fitness and lifestyle-related at the event,

The event, which starts at 6pm, is open to the public so if you are interested in attending, just register with your name at info@tralee.ie

It’s a great opportunity to come listen to insights from one of Kerry’s greatest footballers and see what strategies he implements into his own life to help him both on and off the pitch.

Joe O’Connor has worked in the fitness industry since 1998 and is a lecturer in Exercise in Physiology since 2006. He was recently appointed Head Of Athletic Development for the Kerry Senior Football Team.

 

News

Five Men Found Aboard Ship In Fenit Questioned By Gardaí

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GARDAI are questioning five men at Tralee Garda Station after they were found on a ship at Fenit Harbour.

The men, aged in their 20s are believed to be stowaways and non-EU nationals. They were detained at Fenit at 12.15pm this afternoon after being found on the vessel which is docked at the harbour and are currently being detained in the Tralee station.

RTE reports that the men are Albanian and are believed to have boarded the ship at Bilbao in Spain last weekend, heading for Ireland.

They were found on board a ship which docked in Fenit to transport a Liebherr crane. Gardaí are believed to have been acting on information.

News, SCHOOLS, Sport

PHOTOS: Presentation Girls Welcomed Home With AIl-Ireland Schools Cup

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The winning team, front from left; Aisling O’Connell, Mary O’Connell, Aoife Hickey and captain Rachel Kilgallen. Back from left; Alannah O’Sullivan, Ciara Rath, Maryann Fleming, Lisa Curran and Sarah Barrett with coach Dell White.

THE victorious Presentation Secondary School Tralee U16 basketballers were celebrated at the school on Thursday for their fantastic success in the Subway Schools U16B All-Ireland Schools Cup win.

The girls won by 33 to 28 against Muckross College Dublin at the National Basketball Arena on Wednesday and the whole student body and staff  gathered in the gym at Pres to welcome them back.

Coach of the team, Dell White, said she was very proud of the girls.

“They’re a fantastic bunch. We were put to the pin of our collar yesterday but we pulled through. This team is made up of second years, third years and TYs so it’s a good mix of talent and they’re strong, so onwards and upwards,” said Dell.

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Dell also said it was a fantastic experience for them to play at the National Basketball Arena.

“For these girls, the Tallaght Arena is the Croke Park of basketball and we’re now preparing for an All-Ireland League semi-final, so the double isn’t beyond our reach, hopefully!” said Dell.

Some of the Presentation students who welcomed the All-Ireland winning team home on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

That league semi-final is on next Wednesday and if they win they’ll be back in Tallaght at the end of February.

The girls were introduced to the students one by one and they all got a rapturous reception.

Speaking to the student body, Principal of Presentation Tralee, Chrissie Kelly, congratulated the team and thanked everyone involved in the success.

“I want to congratulate each and every one of you. You have done us so proud in bringing the cup back to Presentation Tralee. I want to thank all the girls, their families and the supporters who travelled up to Dublin. And none of this would have happened without the commitment and dedication of Dell,” she said.

A well deserved reception then, but let’s hope there’ll be a repeat at the end of February. Scroll down for photos…

Presentation Secondary School Principal Chrissie Kelly (right) with basketball coach Dell White, U16 team captain Rachel Kilgallen and Player of the Match, Mary O’Connell. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Captain of the team Rachel Kilgallen makes a presentation to team coach Dell White. Photo by Dermot Crean
The team line up at the welcome home celebration. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The Presentation U16 team who won the Subway Schools U16B All Ireland title on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

PHOTOS: ‘My Fair Lady’ Playing To Packed Audiences At Siamsa Tíre

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Ciara Sugrue, Louise O’Sullivan and Darragh Masterson, cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

MERCY Mounthawk students are playing to full houses at Siamsa Tíre this week as they stage the classic musical, ‘My Fair Lady’.

The students and staff members involved have put in a massive effort over the past few months and it’s all paying off creating a wonderful experience for themselves and the audience.

This classic piece of theatre brings some great musical pieces to the stage performed by a cast which draws from all the year groups in the school.

The production is directed by Tony Behan — who always gets the best out of his cast — and under his guidance in the past, Mounthawk productions have received Bord Gais Student Theatre awards.

The set design is also very impressive so if you have a ticket for the remaining shows on Friday and Saturday consider yourselves lucky. Scroll down for photos…

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Majella Vota, Ciara Lucid, Guoda Galiauskaite and Dorcas Oyewande at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Judith Waugh and Daisy Nowak, cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Jada Clarke and Jennifer Slattery, cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Margaret Kennelly, Joanne O’Mahony and Michelle Collins at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Marie Claire Healy, Carol and Anna Hickson at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michael O’Gara, Josh O’Connor, Paul Cassidy and Darragh Barry Walsh at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Lauryn Griffin (Eliza Doolittle) and Seamus Harty (Higgins) cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sinead Foran, Charlotte O’Halloran and Sorcha Ringland, cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Marie Hill, Catherine Sugrue, Mary McMahon and Edel Lenihan at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Awa Thioune, Sylvia Thompson and Sinthe at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Back; Marlene Favaudon, Sinead Sheehan and Elizabeth Egan. In front; Marie Favaudon and Lily Egan at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sr Dora, Sr Laboure, Bobby Boylan and David Healy at Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cian Devine, Sean Caplis and Timothy Grimes, cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘My Fair Lady’ at Siamsa Tíre getting some final advice from Tony Behan and Principal John O’Roarke on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The ‘My Fair Lady’ set at Siamsa Tire.
Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Five Things To Do This Weekend

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Thankfully January is nearly behind us, so why not see it off by going to or taking part in one of these events…

Friday

1. Quiz time…

If you fancy testing your general knowledge tonight, Na Gaeil GAA Club is hosting a table quiz at 8pm. This is to help support their young Lèiriú thespians who are heading to Sligo  to represent Na Gaeil  Tralee /St Brendan’s Board, Kerry and Munster in the All-Ireland Scór Na nÓg Final on Saturday 17th February.

It promises to be a great evening of fun. There will also be a raffle with great Spot Prizes to be won on the night. Table of 4: €20.

Saturday

2. Open day…

A wonderful school right in the heart of Tralee will host an open day this Saturday at 1pm.

St John’s Parochial School on Ashe Street wants parents of children going to school this September to come in and get a feel for the supportive and positive atmosphere in the school.

Families will get an idea of what school life is like in that short period of time and they will have activities organised for children on the day.

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3. Celebrating Kerry GAA… 

Ogie Moran.

The Kerry GAA Supporters Club’s 28th annual social is sure to be another great night out for the Kingdom faithful in Ballygarry House Hotel at 7.30pm.

The special guests on the night are Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran, Kerry Minor Football Manager Peter Keane, minor captain David Clifford, Junior Football All Ireland winning manager Jimmy Keane and team captain Killian Spillane, Under 21 B Hurling manager Ian Brick and team captain Darragh Shanahan and 2017 All Star Paul Geaney. Chairman of the County Board, Tim Murphy and former PRO John O’Leary will also be attending.

Music is by Neily O’Connor and tickets are still available priced at €35 are on sale from club officers and committee members. People are advised to get their early as David, Paul and Killian won’t be able to stay for long due to their match commitments for Sunday.

Sunday

4. Run with the Blues…

Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club are looking forward to hosting their annual 10k run which always attracts a big turnout.

This year the race, which begins at 11am, will honour local running legend and 1988 and 1989 Dublin City Marathon winner,  John Griffin, with a specially made medal for all finishers.

Registration is €20 (+ €1.40 booking fee) and people can register online or on the morning of the race between 8am and 10.30am. Both walkers and runners are welcome.

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5. Support Kerry…

And so it begins. Kerry face Donegal in the opening game of the Allianz National Football League in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. The game throws in at 2pm and all gates (Dalton’s Avenue and Lewis Road) will be open at 12 noon.

Tickets are priced at €15 for adults and U16s enter free of charge. If you purchase your tickets before midnight Saturday at any SuperValu, Centra or in the Kerry GAA store, you can avail of a 20% discount meaning it will cost you €12. Early purchase is strongly encouraged particularly to avoid long queues at the gate.

News

Pubs Will Be Allowed Serve Alcohol On Good Friday From Now On

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PUBLICANS in Kerry will have to option to open on Good Friday from now on after the Dail just passed legislation to allow alcohol to be served on the holy day.

The Seanad had already passed the amendment to the Intoxicating Liquor Act and will now go to the Aras next week to be signed into law by President Higgins. The ban, which has been the source of much debate over the years, has been in place in Ireland since 1927.

Publicans over the year in Kerry have made arguments for and against the law with some attempting to get exemptions to open at 12 midnight on Good Friday for customers.

News, WHAT'S ON

Meeting In Tralee On How To Access Fund To Buy Musical Instruments

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CALLING all musicians, bands, collectives, music groups, music organisations, schools and interested communities.

An information session on a new capital fund that will support the purchase of musical instruments will take place in Tralee Library in Moyderwell, at 5pm next Thursday, February 1. Everyone is welcome.

The Music Capital Scheme, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and managed by Music Network, comprises two distinct awards that provide funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups and to professional musicians.

“This is a great opportunity for Kerry”, Kate Kennelly, at the Arts Office at Kerry County Council has stated.

“Due to a low number of successful applications from Kerry in previous rounds of the Scheme, high quality applications from Kerry are being prioritised for the scheme this year”.

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The Arts Office has organised the information session in association with Music Network who will present information on the scheme during the session.  Interested individuals are asked to reserve a place at next Thursday’s information session by emailing the Arts Office at Kerry County Council viaarts@kerrycoco.ie and before close of business on Wednesday, January 31 next.

As well as individual musicians, the scheme supports youth bands, ensembles, orchestras, community initiatives and resource organisations working in a diverse range of genres.

A total fund for the whole country is set at €245,500 and The Music Capital Scheme opened for applications on Thursday 11th January 2018 with a deadline of 12 pm on Tuesday 20th February 2018. There are two award categoriesNon-Professional Performing Groups-Award 1 and Individual Professional Performing Musicians – Award 2.

Up to 75% of the total cost of the instruments will be awarded. Applicants must demonstrate how the remaining 25% will be funded. Information and Guidelines, as well as application forms are available for download on the Music Network website see www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/funding

The instruments provided through the Music Capital Scheme continue to make a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music making and live music performance throughout Ireland.

Business/Property, News

Record Numbers Travelled On Kerry Dublin Rail Line Last Year

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A TOTAL of 619,000 passenger journeys were recorded on the Dublin to Kerry rail line in 2017, the highest figures ever recorded on the route.  This represents a 4.1% increase on 2016.

Iarnród Eireann has attributed economic improvements, greater numbers of people in employment, and record tourist numbers visiting the Kerry region as the reasons for the increase in passenger numbers.

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Nationally, passenger numbers grew to 45.5million passenger journeys, equalling 2007, which was the highest number of passenger journeys ever recorded.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, David Franks said: “As an organisation it is great to see our passenger numbers returning to peak levels. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we are working hard to ensure that we can provide an even better service throughout 2018”

During 2018 Iarnród Éireann say they will continue invest in improving the Dublin/Kerry line to further reduce journey times in the future and provide punctual, frequent and value for money transport for the people of Kerry.

GAA, News, Sport

KCFE Beat IT Tallaght In Higher Education Championship

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The KCFE team who beat IT Tallaght. Back Row: James Carmody, Brandon Patterson, Paul Sheerin, Chris Keane, Conlin O’Leary, Ryan Sheehan, Kieran O’Donoghue, Jordan Brick, Oisin O’Brien, Luke Heffernan, Jack O’Connor and Brian O’Shea. Front Row: Shawn Duggan, Mikie Casey, Wayne Duggan, Joe Looby, Cian Holden, James Duggan and Colin Sheehy.

KERRY College of Further Education Tralee had a great win in the Higher Education Championship (Corn na Mac Leinn) on Wednesday in John Mitchel’s sports grounds against Institute of Technology Tallaght.

This is the first year KCFE have competed at this level and they are now through to a quarter-final against University Ulster Magee.

KCFE led by a point at half time having played with a strong wind.  First half goals by Joe Looby and the ever dangerous Mikie Casey kept them in the game after a strong start from Tallaght.

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It was in the second half that KCFE showed their fighting spirit, despite being reduced to fourteen men against a gale of wind.

James Duggan ran the game from centre forward and Wayne Duggan from John Mitchels converted an excellent penalty after Mikie Casey was pulled down.

It was real backs to the wall stuff near the end as Tallaght piled on the pressure but KCFE held out for a great four point win on a score line of 3-13 to 3-09.

Best for KCFE were James and Wayne Duggan and Cian Holden (John Mitchels), Brandon Patterson and Joe Looby (Austin Stacks), Colin Sheehy (Finuge), Jordan Brick (Ardfert), Chris Keane (Kilcummin) and Mikie Casey (Dr. Crokes).

KCFE lined out as follows: Shawn Duggan; Paul Sheerin, Conlin O’Leary, Daniel Horgan; Cian Holden, Brandon Patterson, Chris Keane; Kieran O’Donoghue, Oisin O’Brien; Joe Looby, James Duggan, Colin Sheehy; Wayne Duggan, Jordan Brick, Mikie Casey. Subs used: Luke Heffernan and Ryan Sheehan

News

Short Film To Be Made In Tralee Next Week

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Patrick McDonnell.

A SHORT film is to be shot in Tralee next week.

‘Abbeyleaks’ is to be produced by local actor/writer man Patrick McDonnell and he has a director at the helm with previous experience on a number of top US TV shows.

Kerry County Council has advertised that there will be road closures in place for Thursday, February 1 from 5.30am to 7.30pm at Mary Street (street between Bella Bia and the lower Tesco car park) and and Lower Abbey Street.

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On Friday there will be filming at near The Abbey Inn and Yummy Cafe and also at Walpole Lane in Moyderwell.

The film itself is about two men — a veteran garda and a young man on the wrong track in life — on parallel journeys to make things right in their respective worlds.

Entertainment

WATCH: Tralee Comedian’s Video On Why He Hates Rugby Is Dividing People

2 Comments
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Shane Clifford.

A TRALEE comedian who posted a video of why he hates rugby has received a mixed response to say the least…but he has got over 31,000 views so far for it!

Shane Clifford has been posting up some very funny stuff over the past few years and his latest, in which he describes the rugby fan you would find in a pub, has provoked a great response with some people taking his view to heart in the 800 comments underneath the Facebook video.

Shane has over 10,000 likes for his Shane’s Brilliant Page on Facebook and performs stand-up in venues around the country. Have a look below and see what you think of his rugby views…

Business/Property, News

Aldi Has Plans To Extend Premises At John Joe Sheehy Road

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Aldi at John Joe Sheehy Road.

GERMAN supermarket giant, Aldi, intends to apply to Kerry County Council for planning permission to extend their premises at John Joe Sheehy Road.

The development will consist of a single storey extension of 264 square metres to the eastern elevation of the existing store for use as retail floorspace and a single storey extension of 25sqm to the southern elevation for use as a meeting room.

The proposed extensions will require the relocation of bicycle stands, signage, store entrance, trolley bays and a reduction in parking spaces from 120 to 112. The Aldi store opened on John Joe Sheehy Road in November 2013. It has a second Tralee outlet in Rathass.

Business/Property, News

Tralee Well Represented At Destination Kerry Stand At German Fair

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Mike McDonnell, Woodlands Caravan Park, Simone Langemann, Independent Tourist Consultant to Kerry County Council, Aisling Foley, The Rose Hotel, Monika Wörmann, Tourism Ireland, Sean McDaid, Do Dublin & Noel Ryan, Kerry Airport.

KERRY products were in high demand at CMT – Europe’s largest consumer travel fair – in Stuttgart last week and Tralee was well represented.

A Kerry County Council/Destination Kerry initiative saw Kerry showcasing its tourism products and activities with other Irish destinations at the Ireland Stand at the nine-day event. It follows on from the Kerry Airport promotion in Berlin last November.

2018 looks like being a bumper year for Kerry tourism from the German market. The county already attracts in excess of 400,000 German holidaymakers annually but the demand continues to grow.

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“Germany is Ireland’s largest continental European market and Kerry is their favoured regional destination.  Over 400,000 German tourists visited Kerry in 2017 but the potential for further growth is enormous,” according to John Griffin, Tourism Officer with Kerry County Council.

Promoting Kerry at CMT in Stuttgart – Europe’s largest travel fair. Photo shows (l to r): Simone Langemann, Destination Kerry, Finola O’Mahony, Head of Europe, Tourism Ireland, Grace O’Donnell, Go Kerry, and John Griffin, Tourism Officer, Kerry County Council.

“Kerry has great brand recognition in the German market due to the popularity of Kerrygold butter, and the Ring of Kerry which has been promoted in the German market since the 1960s. These appeal to the more experienced travellers while it’s the Star Wars movies, focussing on Skellig Michael and Ceann Sibéal, that are attracting younger visitors.”

Among the groups that participated at CMT were Kerry Airport, Killarney Chamber of Tourism, Tralee Chamber Alliance, Go Kerry, Bonane Tourism and a number of individual providers.

The opportunity was taken by the Council’s Tourism Unit to unveil the new Kerry tourism brand ‘Your Natural Escape’ to a German audience which resonated very well with visitors to the stand.

News, WHAT'S ON

Fundraiser To Help Young Girl Battle Rare Form Of Cancer

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Siobhan Mather.

A FUNDRAISER will take place in Killorglin next month to help a two year old girl battling a rare child cancer.

Siobhan Mather is living in the UK but has strong connections to Kerry through her grandfather Dave Murphy from Portmagee and her grandmother, Teresa Foley from Glencar. Siobhan still has many relations living in Glencar, Glenbeigh and other parts of Kerry.

On July 1 last year, aged just 2, Siobhan became lethargic and was taken to her GP. After being referred to Barnet General Hospital, it was discovered she had a tumour.

She was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) where she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare child cancer.

Neuroblastoma is a very rare cancer and only 100 children per year are diagnosed in the U.K.  Siobhan has undergone various treatments in the UK and to further her chances of a full recovery she needs a vaccine which is only available in America.

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High-risk neuroblastoma has a high chance of relapse; and relapsed Neuroblastoma has low survival rates.  Relapsed Neuroblastoma is the most dangerous form of the disease.

There is no standard relapse protocol for relapsed Neuroblastoma, which means clinical trials are often the only hope for many children.

Such clinical trials are rarely available via the NHS, so where families wish to access this treatment, their only option is abroad, in the hope of helping them beat cancer.

In the USA, there have been a number of trials with high success rates.  The cost for the course of treatment, as well as the associated costs of travelling abroad to access it are estimated in the region of £220,000.

To this end a number of fundraisers have been held in the mid-Kerry area over the past few months and the latest is a dance at the Manor Inn, Killorglin, on Saturday, February 17 at 9.30pm. Tickets €5. There is also a justgiving fundraising page which can be accessed by clicking here. Find out more on the Facebook page here

Other Sports, Other Sports

Tralee Boxing Club News

Tralee Boxing Club will host their annual boxing tournament at our Boxing club in Monavalley Tralee on Sunday 4th February.

Boxing will commence at 2pm. This is always a great tournament to prepare for Kerry County Championships which is also being held at Tralee Boxing Club the following week.

With the County & Munster Championships coming in fast all boxers are training hard hoping to make the Munster Championships in March at Southside BC Limerick and onto All Ireland Championships in the National Stadium Dublin.

News, SCHOOLS, Sport

WATCH: Celebrations As Presentation Girls Win All-Ireland Basketball Final

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The Presentation Tralee girls team celebrates after winning the cup.

THE Presentation Tralee basketball team won their All Ireland U16B Subway School Cup Final this afternoon against Muckross Park College, Dublin.

The girls won on a final score of 33 to 28, at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

They led 22 to 19 at half-time and played brilliantly to go onto a famous victory thanks to a wonderful team effort.

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So all that hard work and training paid off under the guidance of trainer Dell White and there will be great celebrations when they return to the school.

The panel members as follows: Sarah Barrett, Lisa Curran, Maryann Fleming, Aoife Hickey, Rachel Kilgallen, Aisling O’Connell, Mary O’Connell, Alannah O’Sullivan, Ciara Rath and Yasmine Sultan.

CBS The Green are in action in the U16 National Cup A Final at the same venue tomorrow. Tip off is at 1.45pm so best of luck to them.
The full game from today can be watched below…

Entertainment, Sport, WHAT'S ON

Liverpool Legend Jamie Carragher Is Coming To Kerry

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Jamie Carragher.

LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher is coming to Kerry this April.

The former defender and current Sky Sports pundit will be in Killarney to discuss his Anfield career and current events at Liverpool and in the football world, all told in his hilarious yet disarmingly honest style at a live show at the Gleneagle Hotel on Friday, April 20.

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There’s a good chance there’ll be a few stories thrown in you wouldn’t hear elsewhere and as well as the live show, there will be a meet and greet session where fans can shake his hand, get him to sign something and pose for a photo with him.

Tickets at €28 or €50 for a meet and greet are available  by clicking here

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Christie Hennessy’s Children To Celebrate Their Father’s Life With INEC Show

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THE children of Tralee’s most famous singer/songwriter have announced a concert in the INEC to celebrate the life and career of their father.

Christie Hennessy’s children will perform as ‘Hennessy’ at the Killarney venue on Friday, June 15 as part of a five date tour.

Amber, Hermione and Tim who have all had careers within the music business both as artists and as managers, have come together to celebrate the work and career of their late father, who passed away in December 2007.

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“We miss our dad every day. Coming together to perform as Hennessy seems the best way for us to honour him – both through his music and our own personal memories. We cannot wait to meet all of Christie’s fans as we sing his favourite songs, ones everyone will know and love, as well as arranging a few surprises for you all, from our family to yours.” – Hermione, Amber and Tim Ross.

Hermione, Amber and Tim will perform classic songs made famous by Christie Hennessy including:  ‘Messenger Boy’, ‘Oh Jealous Heart’,  ‘If You Were To Fall’, ‘All The Lies That You Told Me’ and ‘Roll Back The Clouds’, as well as singing songs that influenced their father.

The show, Hennessy: A Tribute to Christie will feature heart-felt stories and anecdotes about a man for whom fame came late in life. Tickets for ‘Hennessy: A tribute to Christie’ go on sale this Friday, January 26 at 9am from ticketmaster.ie

 

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Banna Beach Resort Is Putting On A Ford Fiesta

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THE good people at Banna Beach Resort are organising an event which is a must for lovers of all things Ford.

The Irish Ford Fair is set to take place over a weekend in September and they are looking for vintage, classic, modified, new, old, race, rally, agricultural and pretty much anything with a Ford badge to converge on the resort from Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23.

They  will have a fun filled line up of entertainment for young and old all weekend and they are also welcoming all Ford traders, specialists, exhibitors and autojumblers.

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On the Friday night there’ll be music in the Resort Bar, Saturday evening will see a run round the ring of north Kerry, followed by a BBQ at the Resort and music and dancing in O’Sheas till the wee hours.

Sunday is a static display with prizes for the different categories.  Prizegiving will be held in O’Shea’s Bar on the Resort grounds.  Registration for the competition will be on the day. Sunday night is party night to round things up.

This is a family event with loads to do for the old, young and all in-between. For more info, contact the resort on 0667115484.

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News

Tralee Store To Get Pets In Shape With ‘Operation TransPAWmation’

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Petmania Tralee.

IT’S not just for humans apparently.

While many people are watching their diet and pounding the roads to get healthier for 2018, Petmania has started a new health regime for family pets.

The chain of stores launched their ‘Operation TransPAWmation’ initiative which will take place in Tralee and 11 other locations nationwide from now until February 25.

The pet retailer say that one in three Irish dogs and almost 40 percent of cats are now overweight.

In response, they have launched an owner-led educational wellness initiative created in association with nutritional experts from Royal Canin.

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The ‘Operation TransPAWmation’ programme will assist in preventing pets becoming overweight and developing obesity.

The first step for participants will be to bring their dogs or cats for a free weight check to meet with one of Petmania’s certified weight management advisors.

Combining weight with a Body Condition Score, Petmania’s team will assess whether the pet needs some special attention. If the pet is at risk of becoming overweight, the Operation TransPAWmation team at Petmania will guide pet parents on choosing tailored diets and exercises for pets.

All participants will be provided with food diaries, exercise guides and vouchers to help pets on their journeys towards a happier and healthier life.

Similar to humans, excess weight not only has a negative impact on the general wellbeing, happiness and overall quality of life of pets, it can also significantly shorten a pet’s life expectancy.

They are also urging owners not to underestimate the body condition of family pets and to seek regular specialist advice. It is understood that one extra kilo in a cats weight is the equivalent of a human carrying 16 kilos in excess weight.

Emily Miller, Marketing Manager with Petmania explains; “Our programme focuses on the key points in our pets lives which warrant diet and lifestyle reviews. Similarly to humans, it is important to regularly look at the most appropriate diets that match our pet’s life stage. What you were feeding your dog or cat, twelve months ago, may not necessarily be what they need now”

If pets develop obesity it will shorten life expectancy and increase the risk of developing serious health conditions such as, Type 2 Diabetes, Heart & Respiratory Illness, Kidney Disease, Osteoarthritis and Cancer.

Choosing the right food, correct portion sizes, managing begging behaviour and taking the breed and activity level of dogs and cats are key elements in preventing pets becoming over-weight.

“We understand why so many pet owners may miss the first signs that their family pets are becoming at risk of putting on excess weight. It’s not necessarily about feeding your dog too much, it’s what you are feeding them. What was right 12 months ago, may not meet your pet’s needs now,” says Ms Miller. Visit www.petmania.ie for more

Business/Property, News

Tralee Hotels Feature In TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2018

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The Ashe Hotel features in the TripAdvisor awards.

THREE Tralee hotels have featured in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2018 announced this week.

Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa has been listed  at No.5 in the Best Hotels in Ireland category with Manor West Hotel at No.24. The Ashe Hotel was listed at N0.10 in the Best Bargain category.

Ballygarry also came out as the top four-star hotel in Kerry, beating many five-star hotels in the county in the Best Hotel category. The Killarney Park Hotel was the big winner at the No.1 spot for Best Hotel, Best Luxury Hotel and Best Hotel For Service in Ireland.

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“The TripAdvisor Award reflects the dedication of our team, the majority of whom have been with us for many years and have proven to be popular amongst our guests over that time”, said Ballygarry House Hotel  & Spa owner Padraig McGillicuddy.

“While we have regularly featured in TripAdvisor’s awards in Top 10 and Top 25 hotels, this year we have gained our highest place ever,” he added.

Kerry hotels and guesthouses featured very prominently throughout the many categories with Castlewood House, Dingle gaining two No.1 placings as Best Bargain and Best for Romance in Ireland.

The TripAdvisor Travellers Choice awards reflect the opinions of guests who have stayed in the hotel which have been collected by TripAdvisor over the past year. See the full lists for Ireland and the world by clicking here.