All posts by Lisa O'Mahony

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Beauty: The CH Guide To…. Updating Your Make Up

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Cindy Walsh applying the finishing touches to the look.

Lisa O’Mahony of TraleeToday.ie went to CH Chemists get a make-up bag makeover and you can get one too next week…

IF the bottom of your make-up bag looks like your bronzer and eyeshadow got into a fist fight, it might be time to update the make-up in there.

Cindy Walsh at CH Chemists helped me decide what I should keep, and what should definitely be thrown away. We figured out what would work, with what I already have, to achieve a fresh day look…

Foundation

Since I haven’t changed my foundation in about a decade, we decided to try something new.

Cindy mixed some of my own highlighter, Rimmel Good to Glow, with Clarins Everlasting Foundation.

Mix a small, roughly pea-sized, amount of highlighter with the foundation. The Everlasting Foundation will give a double wear flawless finish, while the highlighter will give your skin a beautiful glow.

The make up feels light, and fresh on the skin but with great coverage. Blush from the contour palette was applied. Then a quick spritz of fixing spray will help keep the makeup in place throughout the day, as well as feel refreshing on the skin

Eyes

Cindy used the Clarins Contour Palette for the eyes. This palette has a blusher, dark contour, and lighter contour.

Cindy commented; “What a lot of people don’t realize is that instead of using it for just contouring, you can use it on the eyes. It gives a lovely day time look.”

The darker contour was applied to the eyelid. The tone was really complimentary for blue eyes. We used my own mascara, Thick and Fast, by Soap & Glory.

Eyebrows

Cindy used the Clarins Eyebrow Palette to fill the brows. Following your own natural line, start at the middle point and brush it over until you meet the arch. Change the direction of the brush, sweeping downwards with the eyebrow.

Cindy advised; “It’s like an instant face lift. For somebody older, the difference of using a brow product is just life changing. And I’m not even being dramatic!”

Lips

We opted for a Clarins light lip Perfector lip gloss for this day look. This product gives loads of shine, but will also smooth out the lips and help to fill in any lines, giving an instant plumping effect.

Thoughts…

This session with CH’s has definitely opened my eyes to the need to update my make up! The new look is fresh, casual, and classic.

The finished look.

• CH Chemists is asking customers to bring their make-up bag into the store from Monday to Saturday next week and they’ll show you how to update your look. (See the advert above)

News

PHOTOS: Professional Practice Networking Day At IT Tralee

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Miriam O’Sullivan, Anne Cleary and Eve Savage at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

IT TRALEE was even busier than usual today as they held a (Social Care) Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the North Campus.

There were a number of events on during the day for anyone who wanted to pop in.

The exhibition area had 37 organisations present, each eager to discuss the different roles their agencies provide and career opportunities within them. They included Rehabcare, KDYS, Daffodil Care Services, Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre and many more. Over 220 people were registered to visit the exhibition on Friday.

Over 35 speakers were present from across four streams; Education and Early Childhood, Community Development and Youth Work, Disability Sector and Social Care and Across Sector Relevance.

Two keynote speakers, who are both Graduates of IT Tralee, spoke to the attendees; Thomas O’Driscoll (BA Youth and Community Work Practice) “This is Me” and Rosalind Fitzgerald (BA Early Childhood Care and Education) “My Professional Development Journey”. Scroll down for photos…

Lisa Clifford, Deirdre Duggan and Trish Fitzpatrick at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Helen Lyons and Aoife Chapman at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Petrina Comerford, Marie McMahon, Lorcan O’Neill and Jackie McLoughlin at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Jean Allen Goggin and Nicola Prendergast at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Michelle Burke, John McNamara, John Kissane and Peggy O’Shea at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Christine Noonan and Rachel O’Donovan at the Professional Practice Networking and Engagement Day at the IT Tralee on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Entertainment

Five Things To Do Around Tralee This Weekend

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Another weekend and it’s set to be a scorcher…well on Saturday anyway! Here are a few things you can get up to around Tralee and beyond this weekend, in between catching the sun…

Friday

1. Brush up on your makeup skills…

Jeanette Cronin will give an Estee Lauder makeup masterclass at CH Chemists on Friday from 7pm to 9pm.

Jeanette has previously worked with INGLOT and is renowned in her field. She has a huge following on social media.

There will be a gift with purchase available on the night and tickets are fully redeemable with purchases on the night with Estee Lauder.

This masterclass is guaranteed to teach you a thing or two!

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2. One for cycling enthusiasts…

If cycling is your thing, there’s a fantastic book being launched at 6pm in O’Mahonys on Castle Street from two Tralee-based enthusiasts.

‘Cycling Kerry – Great Road Routes’ by Donnacha Clifford and David Elton is the first guide to the best cycling routes the Kingdom has to offer. Tom Daly, cyclist, educator and author of The Rás, will be the guest speaker.

Saturday

3. Give something back..

The Tralee Tidy Town Group and Team Bramble are calling on everyone to take part in this Saturday’s County Clean-Up event.

As a town, Tralee has scored five Gold Medals in a row and the groups are encouraging all to keep up our standards to receive a 6th.

The Tidy Tralee Group themselves are inviting any volunteers wishing to participate to join them at 9am Saturday morning at the McDonald’s Car Park.

All gloves, pickers and bags will be provided and the group intend walking out towards the Earl of Desmond for an hour or two.

With the forecast for the Saturday set to reach the high teens, it’ll be no hardship to get out and get some fresh air this weekend!

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4. Fun at World of Tiles…

The new World Of Tiles showroom will open this Saturday. Everyone is invited to celebrate the opening day from 11am – 2pm at unit 2, The Mile Height, Tralee.

World of Tiles Tralee is the fourth branch to open in the country with other stores in Mullingar, Limerick and Dublin. The company is owned by Tralee native, Donal Higgins, from Ballybeggan.

Kerry midfielder and current captain of the winning All Ireland GAA club champions, Dr Crokes Johnny Buckley, will do the honours and he’ll have the Andy Merrigan Cup with him.

Radio Kerry will be broadcasting from the new showroom and there will be a free raffle on the day with a Grand Prize of a €500 World Of Tiles voucher.

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Sunday

5. Fun at the INEC…

Ok, it’s not in Trale, but if you travel a little further afield at the INEC, the Kerry EXPO is sure to entertain you this Sunday.

This business event will also be packed with a great family entertainment element featuring something for everyone

Over 130 businesses will exhibit and the entertainment programme includes, 9ft Robot Ted, Storm Troopers, 6ft Robot Bumble Bee, Magic Shows, The Tall Gent, Drum dancing, Active Kingdom’s drop Zone and red ball wipe out and that’s just the start.

The EXPO showcases business, sport, lifestyle, entertainment and recruitment across the entire county. Major industries in collaboration with sponsoring bodies and the sporting industry are set to drive the message, that Kerry is open for business and this county offers an unbeatable life style coupled with career advancement and low cost of living.

With prize giveaways, fun activities and a stellar line up, this event promises to be worth the trip to Killarney.

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Beauty And The Beast Is Coming To Siamsa Tíre Next Week

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Beauty & the Beast cast members, front from left; Michael Moynihan, Cathal Carr and Aoife O’Mahony. Back from left; Barry Sugrue, Anna May Wall and Chris Tearle.

THE Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts will be entertaining shoppers in Manor West on Friday by performing a James Corden-style flash mob.

The performance will take place at 5pm, with the Beauty and the Beast characters from their upcoming production that will be staged in Siamsa Tíre next Monday and Tuesday during the school holidays for Easter.

With a cast of over a hundred, aged from 5 years to 18 years this Menken, Ashman and Rice Musical is produced and directed by Bryan. He said, “The cast have been rehearsing hard for the last few months and everyone is busy behind the scenes preparing to get our end of year production ready, so the excitement is building”.

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Following on from the success of previous Musicals such as Annie, Seussical, The Little Mermaid and others, Bryan feels this is possibly Disney’s most popular Musical.

“Everyone is familiar with the love story of the leading couple Belle & the Beast but just as popular are the other couples of Lumiere & Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts & Chip and of course Gaston & Lefou, so there are familiar characters and of course familiar and well-loved songs for all the family to enjoy,” said Bryan.

The musical is licenced and presented in arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI) and runs at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Monday, April 10, and Tuesday, April 11. For bookings call Siamsa Box Office on 066 7123055 or online at siamsatire.com

News

US Army Aviator From Tralee To Be Commemorated At Listowel Event

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Captain John O’Sullivan.

A Tralee man who was a distinguished military and civilian helicopter pilot in the US Army, will be commemorated by Listowel town and Co Kerry in conjunction with Listowel Military Tattoo at Listowel Racecourse on April 29.

The commemoration will be attended by many of John O’Sullivan’s family and aviation friends, including several Vietnam veterans. To this day, John, who passed away in 2012, remains the second most highly decorated US Army Aviator.

John received 1 DSC, 6 DFC, 5 Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Star, 3 Silver Star and 42 Air Medals.

The President of the United States of America presented the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John I. O’Sullivan, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 174th Aviation company, 14th Aviation Battalion, American Division.

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A citation upon receiving service cross reads: “Second Lieutenant O’Sullivan distinguished himself while serving as fire team leader of a helicopter gunship team flying in support of allied operations near Quang Ngai.

Although under a continuous hail of enemy automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant O’Sullivan led an aggressive attack on three companies of enemy soldiers that were entrenched in a Vietnamese village.

Repeatedly exposing his aircraft to intense enemy automatic weapons fire, he eliminated four enemy soldiers and destroyed two enemy bunkers. His aircraft was then shot down by intense enemy fire as he descended to a low altitude to provide cover fire for another downed friendly helicopter.

After surveying the damage to his downed ship, Lieutenant O’Sullivan returned to the cockpit and flew the crippled craft to a nearby air strip. He then obtained another gunship and returned to the area to take command of the fire team.

While covering the recovery of the downed helicopter, he eliminated five more of the enemy. Responding to an urgent appeal for assistance from another allied unit, he again braved intense fire as he assaulted three enemy machine gun positions.

During this encounter, his gunship was damaged by enemy fire. Undaunted, he continued his aggressive assault, destroyed the enemy machine gun positions, and completely routed the enemy force.

Second Lieutenant O’Sullivan’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”

The commemoration will honour Captain O’Sullivan for these achievements, with the UK Huey ‘509’ helicopter flying in to Listowel Racecourse at the event which starts at 12 noon. For more information email at alphamodelcraft@gmail.com.

Entertainment

PHOTOS: Audiences Love St John Of God’s ‘An Evening Of Musicals’

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Performers in the St John of God production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ were Wendy Hardy, Janet O’Donoghue, Jessica Power, Amy Lynch, Jason McCarthy, Paul O’Sullivan, Alan Murray and Micheal O’Leary. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

A BIG crowd packed Siamsa Tíre last night for the St John of God production of ‘An Evening of Musicals’.

The show was a collection of songs, solos and group numbers, from different musicals. The talented cast sang Singing in the Rain, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera and much more.

Up to 40 service users of St John of Gods got involved in the production, and about 30 staff members. Volunteers from Mounthawk Secondary School also lent a hand on the night.

Joe Burkett acted as coordinator of the production, with Mary Flynn and Dominik Kiely presenters on the night. Scroll down for photos…

Maurice Flavin, Mary Claire McCarthy, and Steven Roche at the St John of God Production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ on Wednesday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Performers in the St John of God production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ were Margret Enright, Mary Nelligan, Timothy O’Shea, Fiona Reilly, Leah Browne, Lorraine Lyon, Hilary Jones, and Amy O’Dea. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Presenters of the St John of God Production ‘An evening of Musicals’ were Mary Flynn and Dominik Kiely. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Performers in the St John of God production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ were Orla Murphy, Rebecca O’Brien, Carmel Roche, Teresa McGuigan, Patricia Motor, Eimear O’Shea, Chloe Dooner, and Catherine Conway. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Directors of the St John of God Production ‘And Evening of Musicals’ were Claire Adams, Joe Burkett and Cáit O’Leary. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Agnes Tovacs and Natasha Murphy at the St John of God Production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ on Wednesday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Mairead Sheehy, Marie Dalton, Brenda McNamara, and Oisín McNamara at the St John of God Production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ on Wednesday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Helen O’Halloran, Deirdre Cremins, Sheila Cremins, Rebecca O’Halloran, Grainne Cremins and Breda O’Sullivan at the St John of God Production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ on Wednesday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Sheila Power and Maria Power at the St John of God Production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ on Wednesday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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The Solas Tralee Group at the St John of God Production ‘An Evening of Musicals’ on Wednesday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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News

Garvey’s Tralee’s To Introduce Special Autism-Friendly Shopping Evenings

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Mark O’Sullivan of Garvey’s, Catherine Culnane, Nicola Chemieliowski, Catherine Moore, Denise Hennessy, Jamie Bowler, Darragh Galvin and Helen Griffin of Garvey’s at Supervalu Tralee for the launch of their Autism Initiative on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

GARVEY’S Supervalu Tralee have come up with a few great ideas to make the store more Autism friendly for their customers on certain evenings.

The store launched this plan on Wednesday, with a view to make it easier for customers with Autism to shop, by making just a few small changes.

Every second Wednesday night, starting April 12, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Garveys Supervalu will lower the lights and the PA system in the shop, and turn off the music.

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The introduction of new grocery trolleys with an attached Velcro Clipboard will make it easier for the children to focus in the shop.

Parents can stick a velcro cut out of what they need from the store on the clipboard, making it easier for the child to focus as they move throughout the store before they find the item.

A coffee evening will also be organised, where parents and children from different schools can come and meet up over a cup of tea or coffee, and use the evening as a platform to meet people.

News, WHAT'S ON

Darkness Into Light Kerry Launch Lights Up Tralee Wetlands

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The DIL Tralee Committee members Pat Turner, Mairead McMahon, Martin Brosnan, Marilyn O’Shea, Gillian Goggin Anne O’Shea, and Aidan O’Sullivan releasing lanterns at the Kerry Launch of Darkness Into Light on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

THE Kerry launch of Darkness Into Light took place at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Tuesday night.

The launch was kicked off with a few words from Pieta House Chief Clinical Officer, Cindy O’Connor, where she thanked everyone for supporting Pieta House.

The guests were then invited to release lighting ‘lanterns of hope’ into the water at the Wetlands centre.

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Darkness Into Light is Pieta House’s signature awareness event in the movement against suicide. The 5km walk/runs will take place in Tralee, Listowel, Killarney, Kenmare, Dingle, Cahersiveen and Caherdaniel.

The Tralee event, supported by Electric Ireland, will begin in darkness at 4.15am from CBS The Green on Saturday morning, May 6, and ends just as the sun begins to rise.

Thousands took part in last year’s event, raising over €45,000. The event will take place in over 150 locations in Ireland and across the world.

The Kerry launch of Darkness Into Light at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Entertainment, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Students Enjoy Concert By Seo Linn

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Seo Linn band members Stiofán Ó Fearail, Daithí Ó Ruaidh, Keith Ó Briain, and Kevin Shorthall, with Gaelcholáiste students Ruadhrí Mac Amhlaoibh, Liam Ó Múirí, Caitlín Nic Giollaghunna and Faith Peskett at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

GAELCHOLÁISTE Chiarraí Students enjoyed a concert by the Irish Band, Seo Linn, in the Rose Hotel on Tuesday.

Seo Linn are a new, young, Irish band that have a passion for the Irish language. They sing original songs but also do a powerful take on some contemporary songs.

Not only have they had continuous success with their involvement in Coláiste Lurgan’s famous YouTube videos, with which they have now garnered upwards of 18 million views, but they have also brought their music all over Ireland and across the seas to places including Boston, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and even to Uganda with Gorta Self-Help Africa.

They treated the Gaelcholáiste students to their own private ceolchoirm to wind up the school’s Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations. Scroll down for photos…

Rebeccah Ní Raghallaigh, Caoimhe Ní Liongsigh, Jamie Ó Hiffearnáin, and Luke Ó Brosnacháin at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Cillian Ó Treantaigh, and Lennox Beaujoun at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Mairead Nic Gearailt, Caoimhe Ní Mhórdha, and Roisín Ní Churraí at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Maire Ní Threantaigh, Leah Ní Seancháin, Sarah Ní hArgáin, and Harry De Búit at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Ruadhrí Mac Amhlaoibh, Liam Ó Múirí, Stiofán Ó Fearail, Daithí Ó Ruaidh, Keith Ó Briain, Kevin Shorthall, Caitlín Nic Giollaghunna and Faith Peskett at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Dervala Ní Cronín, Valerie Ní Ghuiní, and Clodagh Ní Hannáin at the Seo Linn Concert at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News, Sport

PHOTOS: Warriors Visit Schools With Champions Trophy

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Kieran Donaghy and Darren O’Sullivan with the Champions’ Trophy at Mounthawk Secondary School on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

IT’S been some few days for Garveys Tralee Warriors.

In fact, it’s been a whirlwind eight months for the new arrivals in the Men’s Superleague.

The weekend though was something special. They faced Templeogue in the National Champions Trophy final on Sunday afternoon in Letterkenny and after Kieran Donaghy levelled to draw the match, it went to overtime.

Warriors perseverance paid off and they won by the slimmest of margins 74 to 73. Cue wild celebrations which are stretching into this week.

On Monday they took the trophy to their sponsors, Garveys Supervalu and on Tuesday it was time to tour schools around Tralee with the trophy.

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As promised by past pupil Kieran Donaghy, their first stop was to CBS The Green, where they got a hero’s welcome from the staff and students of the school.

Kieran Donaghy said; “It’s been an unbelievable year, I suppose, the town has got really behind us. We have something special here that we have to cherish and continue to work on to improve. So the youngsters we’re going around to in all of the schools today have something to strive for on a basketball front.”

He continued; “We’re after winning the Champions Trophy, so we can now call ourselves the best team in Ireland. It’s been huge. Massive crowds all year, and they came to Donegal too, an eight hour journey, to support us. At the weekend, we had the biggest travelling support for the team that was the furthest away, I would say.”

When asked about his buddy, Colm Cooper’s retirement, Kieran commented; “It’ll be a tough day for all Kerry people. He epitomizes what Kerry football is about really. He’ll be missed, that’s a fact.”

After their visit to CBS, the team stopped by at Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School, where the team were welcomed by staff and students. Past pupil Darren O’Sullivan spoke to the students on the win and thanked them for their support throughout the league.

Another star player, Trae Pemberton, said of the season; “It’s been a long journey. It’ll be eight months including pre-season. A lot of us didn’t know each other coming in to it, so it really took a while for us to bond together and grow throughout the season. We had a lot of ups and downs, just like any team would go through, but we finally clicked, I would say, halfway through the season. We really came together, pulled a lot of wins together, and finally pulled it together this last weekend with two huge games. It was a good year.”

That would be an understatement Trae. Well done to the Warriors who have brought a huge boost to  the town over the past number of months. Scroll down for photos…

Tralee Warriors visit Mounthawk Secondary School on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Darren O’Sullivan with Mounthawk students Stella McElligott and Éidín Dowling on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Trae Pemberton with Mounthawk students on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Tralee Warriors visit CBS The Green on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Kieran Donaghy, Ruairí O’Rahilly and Warriors’ Ryan Leonard with the Champions Trophy on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Paul McMahon and Darren O’Sullivan with CBS students Niall Fitzmaurice, Amadeusz Lelental, Lawrence Guardiano and Rap Buivydas on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony
Mark Bernsen (coach) with CBS students Luke McCaffrey, Leonit Salihaj and Thomas Lyon with the Champions Trophy on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Pupils At Listellick Primary School Complete ‘Walk A Marathon In A Month’ Challenge

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Sergeant Eileen O’Sullivan, Jimmy Deenihan, Aidan O’Mahony and Seamus Moriarty presenting members of the Student Council Kaley Killeen and Sean Locke with Certificates for the ‘Walk a Marathon in a Month’ Challenge. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

IT was a wet and windy finish today to Listellick National School’s ‘Walk a Marathon in a Month’ Challenge.

Mr. Jimmy Deenihan, Chairperson of the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership and a former P.E Teacher himself, returned to the school having kicked off the event back in February, to present the Students’ Council with certificates for the achievement.

As promised, Aidan O’Mahony stopped by to congratulate the pupils on their efforts and to encourage them to keep up the fitness initiative.

Aidan told the pupils; “Sport and fitness is very important to me. It all started when I was back in school, like yourselves, training. The most important thing for you is to carry on, don’t stop and look for the next hurdle.”

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This fitness-promoting initiative saw the school become one of the first primary schools in Ireland to have all of its 200+ pupils completing either a full or half marathon in a non-competitive and fun way over the course of over a month.

The senior classes walked a kilometre a day, including Saturdays and Sundays, while the junior classes walked half a kilometre a day. The children undertook the challenge not only to improve their fitness levels, but also to help raise funds to introduce further fitness initiatives and to purchase PE equipment.

The fifth class pupils of the school are also taking part in a cycle to Fenit with their community guard, Seamus Moriarty after Easter. “Ye’ll have to keep up the training if ye want to keep up with him,” Aidan laughed. Scroll down for photos…

Students from Listellick Primary School at the end of their ‘Walk a Marathon in a Month’ Challenge on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Michael Ross, Maria O’Connell and Mark Riordan at Listellick Primary School on Monday. Photo
Johanna McMahon, Niall O’Connor, Sean Maunsell at Listellick Primary School on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Tralee Students Among Prizewinners At Enterprise Awards

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Winners of the Social Enterprise category Jenny Fox, Amy O’Mahony, and Katie Nagle from Mercy Mounthawk with their JAK Cards project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

COASTERS out of records, homemade face masks and the Swiss army knife of pencil case were just some of the 32 projects on display at Student Enterprise Awards held in IT Tralee on Friday.

The students from schools all over Kerry showed their projects to the judges  in the hope of making it to the national final in May.

There was three categories; junior , intermediate and senior category. As reported yesterday, the winners of the Senior Category was “Circulation Foot Stool” from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Ballybunion, grandparents.com – childhood memories from grandparents videod by grandchildren by Dylan Mangan from Killorglin Community Schoo was the winner of the Intermediate Category, while Junior level winner was Adele O’Brien from Presentation Secondary School Milltown.

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Tralee students were among the winners too with two projects from Mercy Mounthawk successful. JAK Cards from Jenny Fox, Amy O’Mahony and Katie Nagle won the Social Enterprise category while Donagh McMahon won the Best Innovation category for McCopy Kit, a Swiss Army Knife of pencil cases.

Other winners were Tarbert Comprehensive for Best School, Siobhan Brosnan, Aine Sheehan, Roisin Deniel and Eibhlis Brosnan of Presentation Castleisland for Best Stand, Duais Gaeilge went to the Pobal Scoil Corca Dhuibhne team of  Ciara Ní Bhric, Sadhbh Ní Bhrosnacháin, Doireann Ní Choileáin  and Niamh De Bhrún.

Scroll down for photos…

Junior Category runners-up Maggie O’Callaghan, Leah Pidgeon and Hilary O’Connor from Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Aoife Walsh, Aoife Kerins, Leah Cahill and Jane Lawlor from Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Sarah Crowley, Abby Cronin, Sarah Randles and Fiona Casey from St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Lauren Burke, Andrea O’Donoghue, Ciara Moynihan, Chloe Duggan, Leah O’Brien and Alisha Geaney from St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney, with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Sara Alvare, Sarah O’Connor, and Mina Oelsner St Joseph’s Secondary School, Ballybunion, with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Sadhbh Ní Bhrosnacháin, Ciara Ní Bhric, Doireann Ní Choileáin and Niamh Brown from Pobalscoil Corca Dhuibhne with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Dara Smith and Niall O’Brien from the Presentation Secondary School, Miltown with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Conor Hickey, Claire Beazley, and Emma Hogan from Tarbert Comprehensive with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Lucy Murphy, Michelle Doody, Sadhbh Kilgallon and Zara Riaz from the Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Rory Clifford, Dara O’Connor and Eoin O’Sullivan from Intermediate School Killorglin with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Liam Curran, Eoin O’Hagan, Rowan Moriarty, and Cary O’Connor from Intermediate School Killorglin with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Sarah O’Sullivan, Maeve Daly, Niamh McCrohan, Chloe Sheehan and Aoife Murphy from Coláiste na Sceilge with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Sean Langford, Alex O’Connor, Louise O’Dowd, and Laura Benson from Presentation Secondary School, Miltown, with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Roisín Deniel, Siobhan Brosnan, Aine Sheehan and Eilís Brosnan from the Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Eoin Griffin, Jason Denham, William Joy, Linus Óg Burke, Casper from the Presentation Secondary School Miltown with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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John O’Rourke, Cian O’Sullivan, Fionn , Paudie Horgan and Eoin Talbot from Presentation Secondary School Miltown with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Miriam Fleming and Leah McMonagle from St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Alana McCarthy, Emma Finn, and Michaela Ashe from St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Cian Lenihan, Alana Lynch and Natasha Myers from Killorglin Beauty College with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Laura Fleming and Maeve Young from Castleisland Community College with their project at the Student Enterprise Awards on Friday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Fundraiser To Help Tina McElligott Get The Treatment She Needs

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Tina McElligott.

A FUNDRAISING Children’s Disco will be held on the April 9, from 4pm to 6.30pm, at McHales Function room in Causeway, to help Tina McElligott.

Sixteen-year-old Tina from Kilflynn suffers from Alpers, a degenerative neurological disorder that slowly diminishes a person’s quality of life because of the seizures and the person endures, chronic shaking and everyday pain.

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Ireland cannot provide Tina with the treatment she needs, so funds are vital to get Tina treatment in the USA.

This fundraiser offers children the opportunity to meet their favorite disney characters, like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as characters like Darth Vadar. DJ F:LAN will provide the music on the day. Spot prizes will be raffled off on the day. Admission for the event is €5

Sport

CBS The Green Honours Kieran And Ryan For Making Irish Team

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Principal of CBS The Green, Anne O’Callaghan, Geraldine O’Dwyer, Ryan Leonard, Kieran Donaghy, Liz Doyle, Ruairí O’Rahilly, and Dale Counihan at CBS The Green on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

TEACHERS from CBS The Green swapped stories on past pupil Kieran Donaghy and sixth year pupil Ryan Leonard, as the school honoured the pair for all of their achievements in sport on Thursday.

Both Kieran and Ryan were selected onto the Irish Senior Men’s Basketball Team this year and the teachers spoke of Kieran and Ryan’s determination, pride in their team and love of sport.

Both men were presented with framed mementos from their time in the school.

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Kieran gave the pupils present some advice; “You should have no spare time. Spare time should be spent in a gym, if you’re basketballers, spare time should be spent on your craft. If ye want to make it, that’s the work, that’s the level that you have to get to. That’s what Ryan did, that’s what I did.”

He finished; “I did it all for the love of the game, love of the school, and love of the jersey.”

The school thanked Kieran for coming back to talk in the school every year, and wished Ryan the best of luck in both his academic and sporting future.

News

Gerard Mannix Retires After 40 Years In Dentistry

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Fr Pat Crean Lynch, Sandra Cronin, Gerard Mannix, and Eilish Carmody at the Bon Secours Hospital on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

STAFF at the Bon Secours Hospital marked the retirement last Tuesday, of dentist, Mr Gerard Mannix. A mass was held by Fr Pat Crean Lynch, and later refreshments were had in the restaurant of the Bons.

Gerard has retired from a career in dentistry spanning almost 40 years in Tralee, 20 0f which he spent in The Kerry Clinic, Bon Secours Hospital.

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Gerard’s staff Sandra Cronin and Eilish Carmody, along with his patients and the Sisters of The Bon Secours wish Gerard a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Elma Griffin, Fr Pat Crean Lynch, Sandra Cronin, Gerard Mannix, Eilish Carmody, Sister Concepta, Joan Moriarty, Sister Siobhán, and sister Teresita at the Bon Secour Hospital on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Lifestyle, News, Sport

Star-Studded Line-Up For Lee Strand & NDC Health And Wellbeing Evening

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Kerry footballing legend and Dancing with the Stars Winner, Aidan O’Mahony.

LEE Strand and the National Dairy Council are delighted to announce an exciting evening centred on Health and Wellbeing on Thursday 6th April in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee.

The event will host high profile guest speakers including: Derval O’Rourke, Irish Olympic Athlete and cookbook author; Aidan O’Mahony, Kerry Football legend and Dancing with the Stars Winner; Paula Mee, renowned Dietitian on TV and radio and Joe O’Connor, Fitness & Performance Expert, RTE’s Ireland’s Fittest Family.

MC for the event will be Deirdre Walsh, a journalist with Radio Kerry for the past ten years, who currently presents their afternoon magazine programme ‘TalkAbout’.

Deirdre herself has a huge interest in health and fitness, and has regular features on nutrition and wellbeing on her show.

Derval O’Rourke.

Derval O’Rourke, Irish Olympian athlete and now a fit foodie will be demonstrating some delicious dairy recipe ideas to feed an active family at the event.

In 2014, Derval decided to hang up her spikes for good after 12 amazing years competing at the highest level in world athletics. Derval also spent two years working in professional rugby for IRUPA with Munster rugby.

Derval also has a very successful food and fitness business with the launch of her second cookbook “The Fit Foodie”. Derval is now full time building her Fit Foodie business and works alongside great partners who share the same values.

Aidan O’Mahony will speak about his own journey to Health & Wellbeing. Aidan has had an impressive career on the football pitch for the Kerry senior panel since 2003 who has bagged five All-Ireland titles, ten Munster Championships, three National league titles as well as three All Stars.

A member of An Garda Síochána working in community policing in Tralee, Aidan is also currently studying for a degree in strength and conditioning.

Aidan has entertained the nation on Sunday night for the past twelve weeks in Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars and beat off stiff competition on the dancefloor to win the competition.

Paula Mee.

Renowned Dietitian Paula Mee, who has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows and has a clinic in Blackrock, Dublin. Paula will look at the life stages, exploring how – from the young to old – we can make good food choices that can affect our health and wellbeing in a positive way.

Paula says “Imagine your health as a jigsaw, with lots of small pieces of the puzzle that all come together to create a picture of good health.  No single factor- such as activity or food – determines overall health, but these are essential pieces of the overall picture. The great news is that you don’t have to completely overhaul your diet to make an impact on health. Small changes, made repeatedly, can have a big and positive effect.”

Joe O’Connor has featured as the Fitness & Performance Expert for each of the four seasons on RTE’s Ireland’s Fittest Family.

Joe O’Connor.

He is the founder of Nisus Fitness and works with elite teams and athletes, as well as those seeking improved performance and productivity in the corporate sector through the use of online training and coaching.

Joe is currently working with Athletics Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland and Limerick GAA. Joe will discuss the importance of Fitness for Heath, he says “One size does not fit all when it comes to fitness and training. Adopting a fitness regime that somebody else enjoys will not necessarily be one that you will enjoy.”

He suggests identifying your limiting factors, setting goals and developing a plan to achieve those goals.

Doors open at 7.30pm and the event will commence at 8.00pm sharp. Tickets for the event are €10 and are available from Lee Strand’s office in Ballymullen, Tralee Tel: 066 712 1084 or online at www.leestrand.ie. All ticket and raffle proceeds will go to the Donal Walsh Livelife Foundation.

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Mounthawk Parents Council Holds Annual Table Quiz

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Evangelista Icsede, Kate Guerin, Colette O’Sullivan, and Mojisola Sanusi from the Parents Council at the Mounthawk Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

STUDENTS and parents tasted their general knowledge at Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School on Wednesday night.

Organised by the Parents Council, the annual quiz is a big fundraiser and all money raised goes back into the school.

The quiz was held in the school’s new Centenary Hall, as opposed to the previous years when the quiz was held in pubs. This way the students could come and join in the fun.

Spot prizes were raffled on the night, donated by the Aqua Dome, Dan Fitzgeralds, McDonalds, Cappanlea, Kingdom Printers and Wild Adventures, along with many more which was much appreciated by the organisers. Scroll down for photos…

Richard Boylan, Jacinta Boylan, Dara O’Connor and Louise O’Connor at the Mounthawk Parents’ Council Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Rachel Fitzgerald, Orla Fitzgerald and Angela Ryan at the Mounthawk Parents’ Council Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Aideen Fox, Sarah Ferguson, Rachel O’Regan and Laura Harty at the Mounthawk Parents’ Council Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Audrey Lane, Úna O’Mahony and Roisín Kearney at the Mounthawk Parents’ Council Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
John Ferguson, Kitty O’Connell, Ann Ferguson and Gretta Kerins at the Mounthawk Parents’ Council Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Teresa Richardson, Robert Everson and Hugh Everson at the Mounthawk Parent’s Council Table Quiz on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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News

Miriam O’Callaghan Launches Midsummer’s Charity Ball In The Rose Hotel

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Madeline Doyle, Aileen Diggins, Miriam O’Callaghan, Andrea O’Donoghue, Mark Sullivan, Aine Moriarty and Linda McMahon at the launch of the Midsummer’s Ball at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

THERE’LL be some well-known faces gracing a charity ball in the Rose Hotel this June with some great prizes to be won.

The Midsummer’s Ball in aid of the Palliative Care Unit at UHK will take place on June 9, at the hotel and Miriam O’Callaghan was in town on Wednesday night to launch the event.

She will be one of the special guests in June along with fellow RTE journalist and Kerry native Katie Hannon.

It will be a formal dress occasion, where guests will be welcomed with a champagne reception. Music will be provided by The Disagreements, which will be followed by a disco.

All funds raised from the event will be going to Kerry Hospice and the Palliative Care Unit.

Fantastic spot prizes like jolphers signed by a number of jockeys, has been donated by Jack Kennedy as well as a pair of gloves signed by Katie Taylor. The Quality Framing Company in Tralee framed both free of charge for the event.

Tickets at €80 are on sale now, just contact organisers Andrea O’Donoghue at 087 6413449, or Aileen Diggins at 087 1202010.

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Students From Around Kerry Attend Ceiliúradh na nÓg

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Students of Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Claudia Ward and Kaley Molloy at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

THE Ceiliúradh na nOg took place on Wednesday, March 29 at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee.

Ceiliúradh na nOg is a faith programme for Transition Year and Fifth Year students and 300 of them, representing 15 of the post-primary schools from throughout the diocese, took part on the day.

The students were given the opportunity to present their projects and attend faith-based and fun workshops. Br. Richard Hendrick, a capuchin friar, was the guest speaker on the day.

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Br Richard has worked in the area of Youth Ministry, Christian Mindfulness and is the co-founder of the Dublin Gospel Choir.

Radio Kerry’s Deirdre Walsh welcomed the students after the opening prayer and music, and they divided into their groups to present their projects. A representative from each school received a certificate for what they had completed on the day. Scroll down for photos…

Students of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, Griffin Wharton, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Liam Twomey, Seamus Brown, Dara O’Connor, Donal Down and Cuan Foley at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony
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Students of Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Croiadh Molloy and Shauna McElligott at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Students of Presentation Secondary School, Listowel, Cara O’Brien, Sadhbh Carmody, Selena McCool, Eimear Quin, and Kaylene Chute at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Students of Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Jasmina George and Rebecca Poultney at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony
Students of Coláiste na Sceilge, Michaela Corcoran, Jack Kerin, and Tara Whittington at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Students of Boherbue Comprehensive School, Susan O’Connor, Shannon Murphy and Erin Foley at Ceiliúradh na nÓg at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Champs Present €500 Prize To Inspired

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Marie O’Connor, Liz O’Gorman, Dominic Rollo-Walker, Rosie McGrath, Steven Buckley, Yvonne O’Brien, Patricia O’Connor, Sinead Joy, Labhaoise O’Connor, Kerry O’Mahony, and Denise O’Mahony at Inspired on Tuesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

WINNERS of the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Strictly Come Dancing, Rosie McGrath and Dominic Rollo-Walker, were at Inspired, Friary Lane, on Tuesday where they donated their winnings from the contest.

The pair out-danced some stiff competition on Satuday night to win the Judges Vote and chose to donate their €500 prize to the group.

Inspired is a community project, started up in 2014 to empower adults with learning disabilities and give them chances to integrate with the community, find employment, and extend their educational development.

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Rosie said; “I met Marie in town collecting one day for the charity, and I was very curious to what she was doing and who she was collecting for. She took matters into her own hands when services were failing her and her daughter, in terms of further education for her teenage daughter.”

She continued; “I called down and offered to volunteer because I’m a montessori teacher myself, and when I saw the work that they do here, and the subjects that they teach, I was just so impressed and overwhelmed. It’s just amazing. They were the first people we thought of [when deciding on a charity]. ”

Classes such as literacy classes, yoga classes, cookery, drama, gardening are held at Inspired. Marie O’Connor said; “The participants tell us what they would like to do. And we find the tutors and run the classes for them.”

The public vote winners at the Kerins O’Rahillys Strictly Come Dancing event, Ogie Moran and Eileen O’Shea, will also receive €500 to donate to charities of their choice.

News

First Ever Dawn Mass To Be Held In Annagh Cemetery

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Jack Walsh, Breda Browne, Brendan O’Brien, Ann Walsh, Fr Francis Nolan, Mary Scanlon, Helen O’Sullivan, Donie Wynne and Joan Trant at Annagh Graveyard on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony,

ON Easter Sunday morning, April 16, a dawn mass will be held in Annagh Burial Ground at 6am.

Organised by the Curraheen Liturgy Group, it is the first time a dawn mass will ever have been held in the area.

There will also be an Easter fire lighting ceremony  during the mass, which will be performed at the newly erected altar, to mark the resurrection.

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Annagh is a historical site and the burial ground for many of the local people in the area, so it’s hoped a large crowd will attend.

If the weather is particularly bad on the morning, the Mass will be moved to the church in Curraheen. Rain, hail or sunshine though, all are welcome to enjoy refreshments in the church after the Mass.

News

Looking Forward To The 20th Annual Good Friday Walk For Kerry Hospice

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Mairead Fernane, Kerry Hospice Foundation; Kieran Donaghy; Ted Moynihan, Chairman of Kerry Hospice Foundation and Kerry Person of the Year; Mary Shanahan, Kerry Hospice Foundation, Michael Ó’Súilleabháin and Andrea O’Donoghue, PRO of the Kerry Hospice Foundation at the Launch of the Good Friday Walk. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

THE annual Kerry Hospice Good Friday Walk will set off from The Grand Hotel on April 14, at 10am.

It is the 20th Good Friday Walk organised by Kerry Hospice which started in 1998 and was the brainchild of Chairman of the Kerry Hospice, Ted Moynihan.

The route will take participants out by Lohercannon to Blennerville, across by Ballydunlea, down Ballyard by the rugby club, and back to the Grand Hotel.

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Organisers are hoping for a big crowd as the money raised will go towards Kerry Hospice’s new inpatient unit which will be opened later in the year.

Refreshments till be provided in The Grand afterwards for all who participated in the walk. For more information regarding sponsorship cards, contact Ted Moynihan on 087-6705014.

Entertainment

PHOTOS: Prizes Awarded For Best St Patrick’s Day Parade Entrants

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Rory MacEntee, Bryan Carr, Danny Leane, Rick Leonard, Marilyn O’Shea, Darkness Into Light, Dermot Reen, Tralee Parnells, Holly MacEntee, Aida MacEntee, Martin Brosnan, Hannah O’Shea, Darkness Into Light, Johnnie Wall, Mikey Wall, Ruairi Reen, John Drummey and Michael Gaffney at the St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards at the Abbey Inn on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

ON Monday night at The Abbey Inn, the organisers of this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee presented awards to the parade’s best participants.

Prizes were presented to three groups who were the Most Colourful, Most Entertaining and Most Topical in this year’s parade.

The Most Topical award went to the Darkness Into Light group. Tralee Parnells were deemed the Most Entertaining and the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts won the prize for Most Colourful.

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The organisers thanked everyone for turning up on the day, despite the weather, and gave a special award to Michael Gaffney – for playing music and keeping people entertained – and to Rick Leonard for his role as Grand Marshall for the parade.

John Drummey said; “On Behalf of Tralee Chamber Alliance, thank you everybody. Thank you especially to Rick Leonard, who came down with Terry O’Brien in the pouring rain on the day and it looked fantastic. It was a celebration of Tralee Sport and it was a wonderful weekend of sport, with loads of people in Tralee, so onwards and upwards. Thank you very much”. Scroll down for photos…

Danny Leane, John Drummey, Johnny Wall, Michael Gaffney and Martin Brosnan awarding Rick Leonard for his role as Grand Marshal of the parade at the St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards at the Abbey Inn on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Danny Leane, John Drummey, Johnny Wall, Rick Leonard and Martin Brosnan awarding Michael Gaffney at the St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards at the Abbey Inn on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Danny Leane, John Drummey, Johnnie Wall, Rick Leonard and Martin Brosnan awarding the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts with the award for the Most Colourful at the St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards at the Abbey Inn on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Danny Leane, John Drummey, Johnny Wall, Rick Leonard and Martin Brosnan, Michael Gaffney awarding Ruairi Reen and Dermot Reen, Tralee Parnells, the Most Entertaining at the St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards at the Abbey Inn on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
John Drummey, Johnny Wall, Rick Leonard, Michael Gaffney and Martin Brosnan awarding Marilyn O’Shea and Hannah O’Shea, Darkness Into Light, the Most Topical at the St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards at the Abbey Inn on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News

PHOTOS: Taoiseach Visits IT Tralee To Launch Sports Academy Construction

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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with IT Student Union President, Steven Clifford, President of IT Tralee Dr Oliver Murphy, Vice President for Development, Research and External Engagement IT Tralee Brid McElligott, Chairman of the Governing Body at IT Tralee, Lionel Alexander, Dick Spring and Ogie Moran at the college on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited IT Tralee today to launch the commencement of the construction of the Kerry Sports Academy.

Dr Oliver Murphy, President of IT Tralee welcomed the Taoiseach to the North Campus of the Institute in what was a historic occasion, as the first visit of a Taoiseach to the IT since its establishment in 1977.

Representatives from the Dáil, the Senate, the European Parliament, Kerry County Council were also present at the event, which took place in the Business and Information Technology Building, in the North Campus at 1oam.

Contracts for the €16.5m Kerry Sports Academy  project were  signed on Friday March 24, with work expected to commence on the site in early April. The ITT’s key objective is to create one integrated campus.

Dr Oliver Murphy said; “The commencement of the construction of the Kerry Sports Academy is a key component in delivering on our integrated Campus master plan. Our plan specifies our intention to construct an additional five buildings on the campus, a science technology engineering  and maths building, a student facilities hub, a student residential complex, a research building, and an extension to the business incubation centre.”

Enda Kenny began his visit to Kerry with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the IDA’s Advance Technology Building at the Kerry Technology Park and has a number of other engagements in the county today. Scroll down for photos…

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny meeting young Kerry supporter, Sean Sayers, at IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with MEP Sean Kelly staff and students at IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressing staff and students of IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony,
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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with students Kelly O’Regan and Kate O’Riordan at IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Tadhg Flynn, Ann Marie Bright, Leanne Ahern, Katie O’Brien, Audrey Reidy and Adam Guerin at IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Catherine Carty, ITT Lecturer and Dick Spring at IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Roy Guerin and Ogie Moran at IT Tralee on Monday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny accepting a memento of his visit from Student Union President, Steve Clifford. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Beauty&Fashion

PHOTOS: Ladies Get A Masterclass From Marek At CH Chemists

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Marek Hegli with Mary Doody at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony

ON Thursday night, renowned international makeup artist Marek Hegli gave a makeup masterclass at CH Chemists, The Mall.

Marek has a huge celebrity clientele including Millie Mackintosh and in the masterclass, Marek taught people all about the latest makeup trends and told all about this year’s BAFTAs.

Marek currently works with Harrods London and is a member of Lancôme’s Elite MUA Team, where he deals with their VIP clients. Ladies enjoyed refreshments on arrival and got some great tips from the master. Scroll down for photos…

Lisa McGrath, Deirdre O’Mahony, and Siobhan O’Mahony at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Maura Murphy and Maureen Duggan at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Judy Dillane and Carmel Patton at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Michelle O’Sullivan and Siobhan O’Connor at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Marie Beirne and Mags Murphy at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Mary Galvin and Liz Galvin at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Sandra Sheehan and Sarah Thornton at Marek’s Makeup Masterclass at CH Chemists on Thursday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: It Was A Colourful Day At KCFE Today

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Jackie Leahy, Grace Canavan, Sinead Hilliard, Sarah Leahy at the Colour Fun Day held at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

THE end of year Colour Fun Day took place in the Kerry College for Further Education on Thursday, March 23, from 11am until 1 pm.

The Sports Therapy First Year students came up with the idea that staff and students would run, walk or dance their way through a 5km route after first getting colourful.

All proceeds will be donated to the ‘Tralee No Name Youth Club’, a local charity for young people which provides an alternative to pub culture for young people in Ireland.

The club demonstrates a lifestyle in which the use of alcohol or drugs is seen as unnecessary to the enjoyment of a happy, cheerful and fulfilling social life for young people.

As well as the 5k, numerous spot prizes were raffled off and a bake sale also took place on a really fun day. Scroll down for photos…

Colour Fun Day at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Colour Fun Day at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Cillian Moran, Jamie Griffin, Aoife Kissane, Louise Doyle, Marilyn O’Leary, and Marta Witkowska at the Colour Fun Day held at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Stacey O’Connor, Karen Coffey, Holly Marsden, Annie Burke and Alisha Bonner at the Colour Fun Day held at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Emma Hayes, Carmel Kelly, Anne O’Forán, Michelle McKenna, Vivienne Stokoe and Clodagh Brosnan at the Colour Fun Day held at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Ellis Barry and Jade Crean at the Colour Fun Day held at KCFE on Thursday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News

Coffee Morning For Cancer Awareness Held At Shanakill Family Resource Centre

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Kathleen McCarthy and Geraldine Faulkner at the coffee morning held at Shanakill Family Resource Centre. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

SHANAKILL Family Resource Centre, Rahoonane Community Centre and Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project organised a coffee morning at Shanakill FRC on Thursday, March 23 in order to raise awareness around cancer.

The date was decided so that it would coincide with the anniversary of the the first ever Daffodil Day in Ireland, which took place on March 24, 1988.

The Marie Keating bus came down to the centre in support of the event. Spot prizes, donated by CH Chemists, Recovery Haven, the Irish Cancer society, Waddings Butchers were gratefully received and raffled off on the day.

Mikey McCarthy, Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project, Mary Cahill O’Connor, Anita Quilligan, Annette Leahy, Nora O’Brien, Sinead Donnelly, Shanakill Family Resource Centre, Helen Parker, CH Chemist, Junior Locke, Shanakill Family Resource Centre, and Maeve Fitzgerald, Marie Keating Foundation at the coffee morning held at Shanakill Family Resource Centre. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News

PHOTOS: Huge Crowds Attend Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair

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Mark Murphy and Robbie Laneley at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

KERRY ETB held its annual Further Education and Training Fair, on Wednesday from 10am to 6pm at the Brandon Hotel, with a massive turnout of people visiting throughout the day.

The event was free and demonstrated a variety of interactive skill demonstrations ranging from stonecutting, to 3D printing that can make prototypes, culinary arts, tour guiding, hairdressing, beauty, healthcare and childcare, animal grooming, photography, TV, film and radio production, wind turbine maintenance, fibre optic installation, motor mechanics, CAD, administration and finance.

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The day had a special focus on finance and supports available to learners, from how to apply for a SUSI grant, to the Back to Education Allowance, financial management, as well as academic and personal supports available including adult guidance and the community based mental health Peer Support Network.

Schools were invited in the morning, while the focus from lunchtime onwards was for adults and employers.

Kerry ETB has 20 Further Education and Training centres spread across ten towns in Kerry, offering hundreds of courses, full and part time, as well as evening and online, giving people the opportunity to pursue personal and professional learning goals.

The public had the opportunity to talk to instructors from the plumbing, electrical, fitting, carpentry and joinery, motor, stonecutting and metal fabrication apprenticeships, all of which are delivered in Kerry by the ETB Training Centre. Scroll down for photos…

Cliodhna Griffin and Dara Lenihan at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Colleen Shortland and Themba Hadebe at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Kevin O’Connor and Maurice Moriarty at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Damien Price and Phil O’Connell at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Lindsey O’Brien, Harry Power, John Fitzgerald and Jules O’Sullivan at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Shauna Ní Mhuircheartaigh and Eimear Ní Dhuinnín at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Ciara Mulcare and Tanya Sheehan at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Clodagh Roche and Nora O’Brien at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Jessica Mackey, Colette Foley and Kerry Murphy at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Rena Liston, Listowel VTOS, Bríd O’Connor, Tralee VTOS, at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Dara Harkin, Eve O’Mahony and Claire Cassidy at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Treasa Dean, Valerie Ryan and Siobhan Shanahan at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Liz Broderick, Caroline Cashel, Kerry College for Further Education Nursing Studies, Anka Walls at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Ancilla O’Regan and Margaret Griffin at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Padraig Galvin and Shane Doherty at Kerry ETB Education and Training Fair at the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Students Organise Spikeball Tournament At Mounthawk

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Ms Dineen and Ross McBride with the Spikeball Leaders of Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

TRANSITION Year students of Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School organised a spikeball tournament for primary school students around Tralee on Wednesday.

The TY Students have been coaching pupils from primary school all around Tralee to play Spikeball over the course of six weeks. They began in December, training CBS Primary School, St Brendan’s National School Fenit, Spa NS, Balloonagh and Presentation.

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The training led up to the two Blitz, A and B, which was held today in Mounthawk. The schools that participated battled it out in a number of heats held throughout the day with Spa and CBS emerging as winners.

Lucy O’Sullivan, a Spikeball Leader, said; “It’s the first time we’ve done this in about six years, so we’re very lucky to have the opportunity to become leaders.” Scroll down for photos…

Sixth Class pupils of CBS Primary School at the Spikeball Tournament at Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
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Labhraidh Costello, Mary Moore, Evelina Gacek, Luke Healy from Scoil Eoin Balloonagh, at the Spikeball Tournament on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
Katie Naughton, Keela Leahy, Lucy O’Donnell, Bróna O’Carroll, Alex Venzel, and Ryan Ybanez from Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh at the Spikeball Tournament on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony
Business/Property, News

Garvey’s Supervalu And Randles Bros Sponsor Vehicle For Tralee Tidy Towns

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Jim Garvey of Garveys Supervalu, and Dave Randles of Randles Bros presenting Chairperson of Tralee Tidy Towns, Sam Locke and Joe Moynihan with the new vehicle for Tralee Tidy Towns. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

CHAIRPERSON of Tidy Towns Tralee, Sam Locke, accepted a van on behalf of Tidy Towns Tralee, courtesy of Garvey’s Supervalu and Randles Bros, this morning.

Sam Locke said the gesture is greatly appreciated by Tralee Tidy Towns, and will be used to maintain their Gold Medal status.

The previous van, which was sponsored by Garveys and Kellihers 17 years ago, unfortunately broke down a number of weeks ago. Seeing the good work that Tidy Towns Tralee does, Jim Garvey of Garvey’s and Dave Randles had no problem coming forward to jointly sponsor the van.

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Sam Locke commented; “The donation is sure to benefit the whole town in retaining its gold medal, by allowing the Community Employment workers to carry out their duties for the community, bringing plants and shrubs into areas that need to be enhanced on an ongoing basis. So on that note, I have to thank Randles Bros and Garvey’s Supervalu, specifically Dave and Jim, for their generous sponsorship.”

The various groups in Tralee that will benefit from having this mode of transport are Tralee Tidy Together, Tralee Chamber Alliance, the Tralee Tidy Towns Group, and the Community Employment workers that the department of Social Protection provide to carry out this work.

Dave Randles said; “This was important for us, from the point of offering support for something so good for Tralee Town, like Tidy Towns. They do a lot of great work for Tralee to keep the town clean, and we’re very happy to support them.”

Kerry County Council will maintain and insure the vehicle in another very generous gesture, appreciated by all in Tidy Towns Tralee.

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