Category Archives: News

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Hy-Breasal Players Return With Great Nights Of Theatre

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Director Frank Houlihan.

THE Hy-Breasal Players Tralee return to the stage this autumn to perform three plays in the town on October 24th, 25th and 31st and November 1st and 2nd.

The players also perform in the Club Rooms, Castlegregory on Saturday October 26th. Directed by Frank Houlihan, there are three plays sure to attract lovers of great theatre.

‘Semper Fidelis’ is a drama by Henry Hudson, and it features Gillian Wharton, John Scroope, and John Fraher. John Fraher plays Christian Brother Barney Colgan. Gillian Wharton plays all the female roles, and John Scroope plays the male roles.

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‘Tangled Web’ by Mary Quirke features Sorcha Uí Shuilleabháin, and Helen Fitzerald and ‘The Pick Up’ by Paul Murphy features Siobhán Lowe Keane, and Mary Higgins. Both plays are comedies and featured in the recent acclaimed ‘Clutch – Six Plays in Six Cars in Sixty Minutes’.

‘Fred Astaire’ by Frank Houlihan features George Lowe, Kay Dowling and Sharon Costello. This is the first time Fred Astaire has been performed.

It is a tender telling of a misplaced, and a manipulative love between a mother (Kay Dowling) and her son (George Lowe), and that son and his wife (Sharon Costello).

The venue for the performances is The Stage at the Ballymac Bar, Boherbee Tralee at 8pm. Admission is €15, and bookings can be made by texting 0879415523.

News

Funding Announced For New Consultant Neurologist At UHK

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THE Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has today confirmed funding for the recruitment of a new consultant neurologist and a clinical support member for University Hospital Kerry.

The Minister announced this morning that there will be €2 million in funding for 2025 for the expansion of neurology services in hospitals and in the community in the State. This will result in an investment of €4 million in 2026.

The allocation provided will fund the recruitment of five additional consultant neurologists and a clinical support member, to complete hospital-based neurology cover nationally.

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The additional consultants will be based in University Hospital Kerry, Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Wexford General Hospital, Mayo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital. A recent investment in services at Bantry Hospital in Cork has also taken place.

Funding is also being confirmed today for 2025 for further expansion of Health Service Executive Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams across the country, to help people after serious neurological illness or injury to improve health outcomes, reduce disability and improve quality of life. A total of 25 additional Whole-Time Equivalents are being funded for 2025.

News

Castleisland-Abbeyfeale Road Closed After Road Traffic Collision

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THE  N21 road between Castleisland and Abbeyfeale will be closed to traffic following a road traffic collision this morning.

Emergency services are at the scene. According to Kerry County Council’s social media accounts, it will be closed  for several hours and diversions are signposted. Vehicles are to divert via Headley’s Bridge and Dan Paddy Andy’s Cross.

News, Sport

Final Away Trip Of The Season For Kerry FC

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Ivan Hurley previews Kerry FC’s last away game of the season as a trip to the south-east beckons…

And then there were two. A long and winding season has the finish line now firmly in sight and just 180 minutes of football remain in 2024 for Kerry FC.

The final away trip of the season has the Kingdom in the not so sunny south east to take on an in-form Wexford FC side who will be looking to book their place in the Play Off places with a game to spare.

It’s back to back away games for Kerry in the closing stages of the campaign. Last time out, the side went down by 2 goals to 1 in St Colman’s Park in horrendous conditions last Friday night.

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Cian Brosnan will carry some confidence following a well taken goal to draw the sides level midway through the first half. But a late winner for Cobh Ramblers means Kerry went back over the county bounds empty handed.

Wexford on the other hand have had a memorable few weeks. They fought to the very end against Premier Division side Drogheda United in the semi-final of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup, coming up just short in a 3-2 defeat away from home.

Eight wins from their last 10 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division games has our hosts 5 points clear in 5th with 3 games to play. With Finn Harps behind them with also 3 games to go, a point tomorrow night will be enough to see Wexford secure in the play off places.

Kerry will be somewhat buoyed by the last meeting of the sides. Ryan Kelliher scored a 92nd minute equaliser for 10 man Kerry in Mounthawk Park in what was a dramatic night in Tralee.

So it’s a final away trip for the Kerry FC players, staff and supporters and one to be enjoyed before the off season kicks in!

This will be the first year in the club’s history that our penultimate game of the season is an away trip. Last season, the Kingdom faced Waterford FC in Mounthawk Park before travelling away to Cobh Ramblers for the final game of the campaign. Kerry will host Athlone next week to close out the 2024 season.

Speaking to the media earlier this week, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy issued a few injury concerns ahead of the game. Daniel Okwute is out for the weekend with an ankle injury and hasn’t trained this week.

Ryan Kelliher also remains absent. Kennedy Amechi who has been struggling with injury is a potential absentee for this one as well. Ronan Teahan will return to the squad following suspension.

Conor McCarthy said; “We always try to put our best foot forward in every game. Wexford will be no different on Friday. We know it’s an important game so we will go there and be positive and try our best to get a result. The same story goes for the following week. It’s important to end the season with good, positive results in both games.”

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Hundreds Of Students Attend MTU Careers Fair

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Attending the MTU’s Careers Day on Tuesday were from left: Christina Ronan, Sophie Cahill, Martina Cato (National Learning Network), Daniel Popovsky, Laura O’Sullivan and Sophie O’Regan. at the annual Careers Fair at the Kerry Sports Academy where MTU students had the opportunity to meet with employers from the region. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . ©

THE Munster Technological University hosted its Kerry Careers Fair on Tuesday in the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU’s Kerry North Campus in Tralee.

Major organisations from the public sector, industry, business and healthcare featured at the Fair which showcased graduate employment opportunities as well as internship and placement opportunities across all disciplines with a diverse number of fields which include Health, Biomedical, Pharmaceutical, Social Care, Engineering, Environmental, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Business, Accounting, Marketing, Investment, Technology, Cybersecurity, Construction, Apprentices, Agriculture and more.

Exhibitors included Astellas, Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, CField Construction, Continumcommerce, CSG, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, Eli Lilly and Company, Enable Ireland, ENERCON Windfarm Services Ireland, Energywise Ireland, Enterprise Mobility, Fehily Timoney & Company, FEXCO and FRS Recruitment to name but a few.

A CV clinic also ran for the duration of the Careers Fair, providing an opportunity for students to receive personalised feedback and advice on their curriculum vitae. Scroll down for photos…

Students attending the MTU’s Careers Day at the annual Careers Fair at the Kerry Sports Academy where MTU students had the opportunity to meet with employers from the region.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD  ©
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Attending the MTU’s Careers Day . L to r: Angela Teahan (Careers Officer MTU ), Elaine Guiney (Senior HR Business Partner), Niamh O’Shea (Research and Development) and Aidan Shanahan (Supply Tech graduate). at the annual Careers Fair at the Kerry Sports Academy where MTU students had the opportunity to meet with employers from the region.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . ©
Attending the MTU’s Careers Day . L to r: Lieutenant Commander Niamh Fhatharta, Cian Power, Josh Egan (MTU student) and Chief Petty Officer Brian Horgan at the annual Careers Fair at the Kerry Sports Academy where MTU students had the opportunity to meet with employers from the region.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .©
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Attending the MTU’ Kerry . L to r: Emma McDonald, Sheila O’Connell and Ann Marie Roche. at the annual Careers Fair at the Kerry Sports Academy where MTU students had the opportunity to meet with employers from the region.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Attending the MTU’s Careers Day on Tuesday. L to r: Eimer O’Connor, Sarah Griffin, Sean Hogan and Sarah Hobbert at the annual Careers Fair at the Kerry Sports Academy where MTU students had the opportunity to meet with employers from the region.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: A Time For Students To Celebrate As Junior Cert Results Revealed

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Students Raonaid de Rossa and Lily Ní Iarlaithe with their Junior Cert results at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE wait ended for hundreds of students in Tralee this morning as the Junior Cert results were released.

Students in Mercy Mounthawk, CBS The Green and Colaiste Gleann Li received their envelopes in late morning while Presentation and Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí pupils got their results a little later, just before 1pm.

There were 2,186  Kerry students in all receiving the results on the day and it’s safe to say most were delighted their hard work paid off. Scroll down for photos…

Students Ava Sharma, Ria Murphy Quirke, Emily Moloney and Isobel O’Sullivan with their Junior Cert results at Coláiste Gleann Lí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Brendan McCarthy, Dylan Alder and Brian Feeley with their Junior Cert results at Coláiste Gleann Lí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students Meabh O’Connell, Aoife Trant, Aobhín O’Sullivan, Roanna O’Sullivan, and Molly Brick with their Junior Cert results at Mercy Mounthawk on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Keita Vilmane, Lisa O’Shea and Ava O’Connor with their Junior Cert results at Mercy Mounthawk on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students Laya Bauschlicher, Katelyn McElligott, Leah Culloty, Violeta Attallah and Meng Ni Chen with their Junior Cert results at Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Kayla Commane and Estelle Chval with their Junior Cert results at Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students with their Junior Cert results at CBS The Green on Wednesday morning. Photo: CBS Social Media
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Students with their Junior Cert results at CBS The Green on Wednesday morning. Photo: CBS Social Media
Students Bailey Ní Shuilleabáin and Jamie Ní Mhórdha with their Junior Cert results at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Lianna Ní Chróimín, Kate Ní Shuilleabáin and Rachel Ní Fháilbhe with their Junior Cert results at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students Eamen Alisia, Peter O’Neill Reid, Connor Sheehan and Jack Costelloe Walsh with their Junior Cert results at Coláiste Gleann Lí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Deputy Principal Muirne Egan and student Dylan Alder with his Junior Cert results at Coláiste Gleann Lí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students Emily McSweeney, Anastasija Puzanova, Christina Mmusi, Elizabete Silina, Ivie Marice Farina Osazuwa and Kaydence O’Mahony with their Junior Cert results at Coláiste Gleann Lí on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Ciaran Skinner and Ben Hickey with their Junior Cert results at Mercy Mounthawk on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students Giorgia Kennedy and Aobh Culloty with their Junior Cert results at Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Eshaal Faiz, Bethany Libutlibut and Blessing Ilunga with their Junior Cert results at Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students Jessica Glynn Kostrzewa and Georgina Kennedy with their Junior Cert results at Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students Sophie Leen and Aoibhín Leahy with their Junior Cert results at Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students with their Junior Cert results at CBS The Green on Wednesday morning. Photo: CBS Social Media
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Students with their Junior Cert results at CBS The Green on Wednesday morning. Photo: CBS Social Media
Students with their Junior Cert results at CBS The Green on Wednesday morning. Photo: CBS Social Media
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News

PHOTOS: Special Performance Of ‘The Cable’ At Kerry College

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Mike Kelly who performed ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

A SPECIAL performance of a new one-man play took place at the Kerry College Monavalley  Campus on Tuesday evening.

The TV studio in the College was converted into a live theatre for a one-off performance of ‘The Cable’ written by accomplished writer/actor Mike Kelly.

This is a solo performance play set against the backdrop of the transatlantic telegraph cable which connected America and Europe in 1866 and, in doing so, was a game changer for County Kerry and the World.

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Seen through the eyes of a local family from Valentia Island, writer/actor Mike Kelly plays all the parts in this touching story of resilience.

Mike is strongly connected to this Kerry area. His parents were born in Ballinskelligs, South Kerry and although Mike was born in London, he spent many summers here in the Kingdom. As an actor, he has appeared on many film and television shows and worked with Ridley Scott and Matt Damon on “The Martian”.

Mike is travelling to Geneva soon to perform two shows for Irish communities there before returning to perform in The Carnegie in Kenmare in November. Scroll down for photos…

Rebekah Wall and Danielle Courtney at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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George Emerson, Con O’Sullivan, Christy Enright, Ioseph Nestor and John Herlihy at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Alan and Máire Esslemont and Paul Dolan at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mary Dolan and Declan Murphy at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jim Twomey, Tom Little, Paul Dolan and Christy Enright at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Cllr Angie Baily with Conagh and Damien Mullen at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Alan Dolan, Mairead Kelly and Charlotte Dolan at the performance of ‘The Cable’ at the Kerry College Monavalley Campus on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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News, SCHOOLS

Billy Ryle: Junior Cert Results In Kerry Of Very High Standard

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Kerry’s Junior Cycle candidates should celebrate an outstanding achievement as exam results again issued early says Billy Ryle…

Junior Cycle exam results were issued by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) today, Wednesday,  to 72,828 candidates nationwide, including 2,186 from Kerry.

Junior Cycle results are available to candidates in their schools from early morning. Junior Cycle exam results in Kerry were superb and on par with the very high standard of last year. The results again confirm that candidates have adapted well to the new grade descriptors.

The number of candidates who sat for the Junior Cycle exam this year was 2,101 or 3% up on the 2023 figure of 70,727 and a whopping 5,693 or 8% up on the 2022 figure of 67,135.

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Last year was the first time that a Junior Cycle exam – or its predecessors, the Intermediate Cert exam and the Junior Certexam – has exceeded 70,000 candidates, indicative of substantial population growth in that age profile and higher retention rates in post-primary education.

Six grade descriptors – Distinction, Higher Merit, Merit, Achieved, Partially Achieved, Not Graded – are now used in the reformed Junior Cycle programme, replacing the old A, B, C, D, E, F and NG grades.

The Junior Cycle exams were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid concerns and replaced with a system of school assessments. Since 2022, when the Junior Cycle exam was once again held, all subjects are examined under the new Junior Cycle grade descriptors.

English, Irish and Mathematics are examined at both higher and ordinary levels while all other subjects are examined at common level. In the Junior Cycle exams, Irish is examined at two strands with T1 aimed at native speakers and T2 aimed at non-native speakers.

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The Junior Cycle exam results were issued later last year on 18th October, so Minister Norma Foley and the SEC must be commended for getting the results out nine days earlier this year, on the 9th October, and very close to the pre Covid 2019 Junior Cycle results date of 4th October.

The increased availability of markers and a major move to online marking in almost all subjects has seen the state exam results return to a more normal timeframe. It’s wonderful also that students, are once again getting state exam experience after the disruption of the Covid years.

The old Junior Certificate exam and its predecessor, the Intermediate Cert, fulfilled their purpose back in the day, but the reformed Junior Cycle programme is far more suitable for the current student body.

When you combine this achievement with the reforms that are currently in train at Leaving Cert level, there’s no doubt that post-primary education in Ireland is as good as you’d get in any country in the world.

The icing on the cake is the, once again, publication of the 2024 state exam results close to the pre covid 2019 timeline for the convenience of Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle students.

The reporting process at Junior Cycle culminates in the awarding of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)to students. The JCPA replaces the Junior Cert and consequently the SEC no longer issues these certificates.

The JCPA confirms the level of achievement in learning, under five descriptors – exceptional, above expectations, in line with expectations, yet to meet expectations and not reported, across all areas of learning including Classroom-Based Assessments (CBA), Short Courses, Priority Learning Units and other areas of learning, as well as the SEC exam results.

The Junior Cycle exam is often overshadowed by the more public Leaving Cert exam but it’s a very important exam in its own right. It’s a prestigious exam of the State Examinations Commission and it’s the first opportunity for second level students to engage with a public exam of this nature.

With very few students now leaving school after this exam, the Junior Cycle is proving to be a significant safeguard against early drop out of at-risk students and a major force in the reduction of inequality in Irish education. Its primarily a passport to Senior Cycle education, which is a further two years – three years if the optional Transition Year is included. During the final two years of Senior Cycle, students take the traditional Leaving Certificate (LC), the Leaving Certificate Vocational Program (LCVP) or the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA).

Most schools will now give those moving on to 5th year a few days to finalize their subject grouping for Senior Cycle. Consider your Leaving Cert subject choice very carefully.

Start thinking about your college course options and the related careers because, this time next year, it will be your turn to apply for college. Congratulations to all candidates, who received Junior Cycle exam results. Be proud of your achievement and good luck in the Senior Cycle.

✓ 72,828 candidates, including 2,186 from Kerry received Junior Cycle results
✓ Junior Cycle exam results in Kerry were superb
✓ Six grade descriptors are used – Distinction, Higher Merit, Merit, Achieved, Partially Achieved, Not Graded
✓ The Junior Cycle exams were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid concerns
✓ English, Irish and Mathematics were examined at both higher and ordinary levels
✓ All other subjects were examined at common level
✓ Junior Cycle students are awarded the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
✓ The JCPA confirms the level of achievement in learning, under five descriptors – exceptional, above expectations, in line with expectations, yet to meet expectations and not reported
✓ Junior Cycle is a passport to Senior Cycle education- LC, LCVP or LCA
✓ Congratulations to all candidates, who received Junior Cycle exam results on Wednesday

• Billy Ryle is a Career Guidance Counsellor and Educational Commentator

Business/Property, News

Aquadome Shareholders Asked To Approve Big Change At EGM

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AQUADOME shareholders have been invited to an EGM on Thursday, November 7 to approve the transfer of assets and business from Tralee Waterworld plc to a newly created entity, Tralee Aquadome clg.

Tralee Waterworld plc which was established in 1994 is the entity that owns and operates the Aquadome.

The Board is of the view that a plc corporate structure is no longer the most appropriate entity for the Aquadome as it is a community facility established and maintained for the benefit of Tralee and its visitors.

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The Chair of the Board of Tralee Waterworld, Brian Durran, said, “The Aquadome continues to be an enormously popular and economically beneficial attraction for Tralee and the entire county. It is our view that the more appropriate structure going forward is a company limited by guarantee (clg).

“The reason it was initially established as a public limited company (plc) was to raise the share capital needed to construct the facility and no financial return for shareholders was ever envisaged. As a community endeavour, the return for shareholder investment has always been the valuable contribution the facility makes to the economy of Tralee and Co Kerry.”

In a letter to the shareholders, Mr Durran thanked them for their investment that was critical to the success of the venture without which the Aquadome could not have been built.

Brian Durran added, “As a company limited by guarantee, the Aquadome will be eligible to apply for grant aid and other various financial supports that may not typically be available to publicly owned companies. The proposal to change the Aquadome’s corporate structure will better position itself to successfully apply for grant support. It is our view that this new structure is more appropriate for a community owned facility.”

This proposal has also been fully endorsed by Kerry County Council which owns a significant shareholding in the Company. Kerry County Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance are members of Tralee Aquadome clg.

The EGM will take place at the Manor West Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry at 7pm on Thursday 7th November 2024.

In circumstances where the resolutions are passed at the EGM, the board will convene a further EGM to approve the liquidation of Tralee Waterworld plc as that company will no longer have any assets or business following the transfer of these to Tralee Aquadome clg.

The effect of the liquidation will result in all shareholders surrendering their shareholding investment, with no return.

All shareholders have been issued with a detailed explanation of the proposals being put to them and the procedures involved in the process.

Mr Durran and the Board are looking forward to presenting the resolutions at the EGM and are confident that the process will move forward efficiently with shareholder backing.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Countdown Is On To Kerry Homecoming Festival This Halloween

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Into the Woods..Amano Miura, left, An Cailleach – goddess of the winter months and mythical hag, Julí Ní Mhaoileoin, Dingle Druid, Dee Tierney and Malachy Kelly, performers, with Patricia Greaney, Kerry County Council, and Eibhlis Maher, Fáilte Ireland, at the launch of Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween. The launch of the festival took place at Ballyseedy Wood, Tralee,  in early September. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

THE Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween is a county-wide initiative to bring home our Kerry Diaspora during the month of October this year.

It is presented by Kerry County Council as part of the Global Irish Festival Series, which is a joint initiative between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Kerry Homecoming Festival is a call home from all aspects of Kerry business, tourism, sports and cultural organisations to come and enjoy close to 50 events and activities such as Samhain spectacles, storytelling, Jack-o-Lantern carving, genealogy workshops and heritage talks, star-gazing, a celebration of the centenary of the closing of the Lartigue Monorail, an American Wake at Kerry Writers Museum and much, much more.

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The legendary Cailleach (Hag / Witch), will be the centerpiece of a thrilling Samhain spectacle in Listowel, Dingle, Kenmare and Tralee.

The Cailleach is the goddess of the winter months. Her season begins on Samhain (the origin of Halloween), October 31st, when the Goddess Brigid hands her staff over.

In Kerry she has given her name to the Hag’s Glen in the MacGilliycuddy’s Reeks mountains where the Hag of Corrán Tuathail (Carrauntoohill) plunged to her death in the lake known as Hag’s Lake.

The Samhain Spectacles will be supported by a series of family friendly workshops in 16 towns and villages, in the run up, led by Juli Ní Mhaoileoin, the Dingle Druid, in which people of all ages will learn how to make traditional Samhain masks and Jack-o-Lanterns and they in turn can take part in the spectacles wearing their masks or bearing their lanterns.

Genealogy and family research feature heavily in the programme with talks and workshops being presented by experts Kay Caball in the Killarney and Tralee libraries and Tom Dillon in Castleisland and Killorglin.

Kerry’s tradition of storytelling, particularly of the otherworldly kind at Halloween is also honoured through a number of storytelling sessions from Seán Ó’Laoghaire, Niall de Búrca and Tom Dillon throughout the county.

The programme also features the Global Gaelic Games Social Festival, in Killarney on October 18th and 19th.

This celebration will bring together Gaelic Football enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to take part in non-competitive 9-a-side Gaelic games that emphasise inclusiveness and integration.

All of the existing seasonal Kerry festivals and some new ones, including and Féile Eile in Killorglin will also be joining in the fun – Kenmare Halloween Howl, the Patrick O’Keeffe Music Festival in Castleisland, the Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival the Kerry International Film Festival celebrating its 25th anniversary and Oireachtas na Samhna, both taking place in Killarney, as well as Tralee’s annual National Circus Festival and The Tralee Half Marathon.

The Homecoming Festival provides a unique opportunity to deepen our linkages with the Kerry Diaspora, Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Breandán MacGearailt stated.

“Despite being a small country on the edge of Europe, on the edge of the Atlantic, we have, over many generations developed a global network of Irish-diaspora, who are embedded into business, culture and society across the world. This is our way of welcoming our first, second, third and fourth generation of Irish back home, and showing them our culture and history.”

Programme details are available on the Discover Kerry website www.discoverkerry.com/live/homecomingfestival/

News

Older Drivers Attend Road Safety Conference In Tralee

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Pictured : Declan Keogh Kerry County Council Road Safety officer during the conference. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.

KERRY County Council and Age Friendly Kerry hosted a road safety conference for older drivers today (Tuesday) at the Rose Hotel in Tralee.

The conference was  organised and hosted by Kerry County Council and the local authority’s Road Safety Officer, Declan Keogh.

Anna May McHugh of the National Ploughing Association was among the keynote speakers at the conference along with representatives from Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the Older Peoples Council and a road safety consultant for older drivers.

A number of exhibitors were also present to provide information and advice to older drivers.

 Pictured : Mayor of Kerry Breandan Fitzgerald during the conference .
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.
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People at the conference in The Rose Hotel. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .
People at the conference in The Rose Hotel. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
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People at the conference in The Rose Hotel. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Pictured : Tim O’Donoghue a driving mobility consultant takes to the stage during the conference . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
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 Pictured Physiothererapist Donnchadh Walsh talks to Older drivers about keeping active which helps keeping fit for driving . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .
News

Gardaí Investigate Criminal Damage Incident In Tralee

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GARDAI in Tralee are appealing for any information in relation to a criminal damage incident at a house last week.

On the night of Thursday, October 3, a resident at a house in the Lios Ard estate in Lisloose heard a loud bang. When he went to investigate, he found the glass panel adjacent to his front door had been smashed by a stone.

He heard the sound of someone running away but couldn’t see anyone. If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area on the night of Thursday, October 3, they are asked to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066-7102300.

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Business/Property, News

PHOTOS: Budget Briefing Held At The Rose Hotel

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 Pictured at the Budget Briefing were – Brian Looney AIB Listowel , Collette O’Connor Tralee Chamber , Fiona Leahy Kerry Local Enterprise Office and Stephen Stack Tralee Chamber .
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©

KERRY County Council Local Enterprise Office in association with Peevers Slye Cotter (PSC Taxation Services) held their Budget 2025 Briefing in The Rose Hotel, Tralee last Thursday.

The well-attended briefing  summarised the main points arising from the budget with a particular emphasis on the tax changes.

With the tax year end in mind, the briefing  reminded attendees of some tax planning ideas that should be considered before 31st December next.

The seminar was delivered by Francis Moriarty, Tax Director at PSC who answered questions fro the floor. Scroll down for photos…

Pictured at the Budget Briefing were – Mark Sullivan The Rose Hotel , Dick Henggeler The Rose Hotel , Fiona Leahy Kerry Local Enterprise Office , Collette O’Connor Tralee Chamber and Michelle King Rose Hotel . . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . ©
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Pictured at the Budget Briefing were – Francis Moriarty PSC Tralee , Fiona Leahy and Tomas Hayes of the Kerry Local Enterprise Office . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD©
Pictured at the Budget Briefing were – Grace O’Sullivan from Tralee and Eilish O’Donoghue Kerry Local Enterprise Office. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . ©
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Pictured at the Budget Briefing were – John Fitzgerald and Kerry Local Enterprise Officer Victor Sheahan . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
Pictured at the Budget Briefing were – Siobhan Revasmay PSC , Mark Sullivan Rose Hotel , Francis Moriarty PSC , Seamus Cotter PSC and Grace O’Sullivan PSC Tralee . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
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 Francis Moriarty PSC speaking at the event. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Tomas Hayes of the Kerry Local Enterprise Office speaking to the attendance. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
News

Maharees Group Presented With New Award In Honour Of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh

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Back row L-R: Mick Whelan, Jeanne Spillane, Patricia Browne, Patricia Herrero, Martha Farrell, Mikey O’Leary. Front row L-R: Alan O’Leary, Micheál O’Leary, Monty O’Leary, Virginia Teehan CEO of the Heritage Council, Colum Walsh (Community Water Development Officer for Kerry, LAWPRO) Picture: Clare Keogh

A NEW Heritage Council award in honour of the legendary GAA commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh was presented to The Maharees Conservation Association at the weekend.

Launched by Tánaiste Micheál Martin at a special event at the Cork Camogie Grounds in Cork city, The ‘Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh – Gradam Dúchais’, or Intangible Cultural Heritage Award, was given to a group whose 2024 National Heritage Week event encouraged a greater appreciation of our traditions, crafts, skills, customs and practices.

The Maharees Conservation Association won the award for their Currach Making demonstration during National Heritage Week with the O’Leary family, who have been making currachs in Maharees for five generations.

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Those who attended their event learned how the currachs have connected and sustained the communities living in Maharees and around the Tralee Bay area.

The Tánaiste and the Heritage Council were joined by the award winners, members of Micheál Ó Muirecheartaigh’s family, several players from Cork’s 2024 All-Ireland winning Cork camogie team and UCD history professor Paul Rouse.

“We would like to thank the Heritage Council for this award, for their support in helping us to share our heritage and for inspiring us to stage events for Heritage Week,” said Maharees Conservation Association secretary, Patricia Browne.

“We thank the Local Authority Waters Programme for part-funding our event and funding several natural heritage events this year

“Huge thanks to Alan Lynch (a long-time visitor to Maharees) who interviewed Monty O’Leary at the event and to Mick Whelan, Maharees Conservation member, who filmed the event.”

“We would like to acknowledge our Maharees Heritage committee which has been organising cultural heritage events for 11 years to celebrate the essence of Maharees and we are indebted to them for their contribution to preserving our sense of identity.”

“We are so grateful to the O’Leary family for agreeing to take part in our National Heritage Week Event – it was a special moment and all who attended felt like we were watching a piece of history in the making,” said Patricia.

The Maharees Conservation Association will be formally celebrated along with all the other 2024 award winners at the National Heritage Week awards ceremony at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin on November 15th.

Business/Property, News

AIB Presents €28,000 To Áras Mhuire And Ard Chúram Day Centre

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Pictured at Ard Chúram Day Centre in Listowel were : Front L-R : Finbarr Mawe Ard Chúram Day Centre , Brian Looney AIB , Brenda Enright Ard Chúram Day Centre and Tom Collins Ard Chúram Day Centre . BACK L-R : Steven Stack AIB , Pat Carmody Ard Chúram Day Centre , Sean Healy AIB , Ciara O’Grady AIB , , Denis Doonin AIB , Alena Glonekova Ard Chúram Day Centre and Mollie Mulvihill Ard Chúram Day Centre . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

Áras Mhuire & Ard Chúram Day Centre both announced that it has received an award of €28,000 from the third annual AIB Community €1 Million Fund, to help with its work in the Listowel  community.

Over the last two years, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has supported over 150 charities across Ireland.

Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public, and staff to again nominate registered charities, that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, in the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

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To those charities chosen by the customers and wider public, AIB is allocating €700,000 across the four provinces and a separate category for charities in the greater Dublin area, while €300,000 will be donated to charities chosen by employees.

Speaking about receipt of the award, Finbarr Mawe, Chairperson of Ard Chúram Day Centre said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding from the AIB Community €1 Million Fund, which is crucial for maintaining the services we offer to our community. AIB’s ongoing support for local organisations is invaluable, and we have witnessed the positive impact on other local groups that received funding last year.”

Trish Parkes, Manager of Áras Mhuire added; “The public’s nomination makes this particularly special for us. It’s touching because it shows that our efforts in the community are being acknowledged. Thank you to everyone who is involved in Áras Mhuire and a special thanks to AIB for setting up this important fund.”

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News

PHOTOS: Crowds On Strickeen Mountain For Human Chain Challenge

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Crowds pictured  at the Gap of Dunloe near Killarney for the Human Chain Challenge. .
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©

AROUND 200 people took part in the Human Chain Challenge at Strickeen Mountain on Sunday in aid of the  Kerry Mental Health Association.

The Human Chain Challenge provided an opportunity for everyone to make a colourful show of support for people with mental health challenges, their families and carers in Kerry.

Every walker received a free bright KMHA-branded bandana to be worn for the Official Human Chain Challenge Drone picture . The event is part of the Kerry Mental Health and  Wellbeing Fest taking place until Sunday, October 12.

Some of the many people who walked on the mountain. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD©
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Maria Kelliher , Katie Hickey and Sarah Kennelly aged 6 from Killarney . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
People stand together in the Human Chain Challenge on Strickeen Mountain in the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney,  Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD  ©
News

Katie Urges Kerry Public To Host ‘Big Pink Breakfast’

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Katie Browne

BREAST cancer survivor Katie Browne, originally from Ballybunion, now living in Kildare, is supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and life-changing breast cancer research projects.

Katie Browne, who was diagnosed aged just 39, has a family history of breast cancer and was diagnosed with the disease in May 2023.

She had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy and is now “on the other side” of her cancer treatment. She recently ran a half-marathon, raising over €4,500 for the Irish Cancer Society.

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“I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast campaign, a huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public. If you are at all able, please support this important cause.”

This October the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, Night Nursing and much more. Funds raised will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research projects.

To learn more or get involved, please visit: www.cancer.ie/pink

News

Over €650,000 Allocated To Kerry Organisations Under CLÁR Funding

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OVER €650,000 in funding has been allocated for organisations in Kerry under the 2024 CLÁR programme.

The funding will support the development of sports and outdoor facilities such as playgrounds and walkways as well as the upgrading of community centres and local halls.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Education and Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Norma Foley said: “I am delighted that projects in Kerry will receive over €650,000 for new walkways, playground, community halls and other vital community facilities.”

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“The funding will go towards a refurbished community playground in Lixnax, a new outdoor seating area with wheelchair accessible toilets in Listry GAA club, a community walkway with lighting for Ballyheigue GAA club, a public amenity area in Brosna village and a walking path and sensory garden for Lios Póil GAA club.

There is also funding for a community playground in Tulloha National School, a public playground in Castlemaine village, an upgraded car park and sensory garden for Milltown GAA club, a carpark with safe access for Castlegregory Celtic FC, a renovated community building in Sneem, a walkway extension with solar lighting in  Moyvane, floodlighting for Laune Rangers GAA club.”

“This round of CLÁR investment will help to enhance and upgrade a range vital outdoor community amenities which greatly enrich and improve the local amenities in those areas.”

The CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.

List of successful projects in Kerry under CLÁR 2024

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News

Excitement Building Ahead Of TedX Tralee This Weekend

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SPEAKERS and delegates from around the country and beyond are en route to Tralee to take part in TEDxTralee 2024.

The community based event, with the theme of “You-unique”, see events on Friday and Saturday, with 20 speakers taking to the stage in Siamsa Tire this weekend.

Local curators and co-coordinators Bryan Carr and James Finnegan felt that after the stunning successes of TEDxTralee 2021 and 2022, whose talks have been viewed on the online worldwide TED platform nearly two million times, that there was a repeat opportunity to promote Tralee on the International TEDx map with another series of eclectic talks and presentations from local, national and international Speakers.

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“We are delighted, proud and honoured to be able to give these wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking Talks a platform, covering an eclectic range of subjects, from the personal to the global perspective,” said Bryan and James

“It was always the aspiration for our previous presentations to be just the start of a series of events promoting Tralee, Kerry and Ireland under the TEDxTralee Banner.

“We are also giving local artists and performers to opportunity to promote their talents with new compositions in music and dance composed especially for this event.”

Of course, nothing of this scale can be achieved in isolation, so TEDxTralee gratefully acknowledge the support of all their Partners especially the Rose Hotel, Kerry County Council, Discover Kerry and Siamsa Tire among other local businesses that are helping make this event possible.

Tickets and further details about all the speakers are available on  www.tedxtralee.ie and early booking is strongly advised.

Business/Property, News

PHOTOS: Business Breakfast Kicked Off #TieDayFriday Fundraiser

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Pictured at the business breakfast were Darran Fitzgerald , Tommy Walsh , Jennifer Downing and Mike Stack . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©

#TIEDAYFRIDAY 2024 for Kerry Mental Health Association kicked off with a fundraising business Breakfast attended by 100 people at Meadowlands Hotel.

Expert speakers Dermot Dennehy of Manage Remote Teams, Dee Lynch from Mental Health Ireland and Tralee businessman Dan O’Donoghue of Asentiv Ireland South gave advice on how to manage anxiety in a hybrid workplace.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic the number of employers that allow employees to work from home has increased three-fold and the panel of guests  offered attendees an insight to  work together to overcome the challenges of remote and hybrid working.

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Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella and Andrew Morrissey also presented Kerry’s Full Breakfast live from the hotel .

For #tiedayfriday, school children, students, teachers as well as office, remote, hybrid and outdoor workers of all ages were asked to simply wear a tie, post a picture on social media and donate to www.KerryMentalHealth.ie/donate.

Proceeds from #TieDayFriday will assist with the cost of rolling out Free and affordable Mental Health First Aid and other mental health educational activities in Kerry. Scroll down for photos…

Pictured at the event were Don O’Neill and hubby Pascal Guillermie . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . ©
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Pictured at the event were Mary & George Sugrue . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . ©
Pictured  at the event were KMHA Board Directors : Pat O’Brien , Eddie O’Doherty , Sarah O’Donnell , Siobhan Murphy and John Drummey . .Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD©
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News

Contracts Signed For New Housing Development At Island Of Geese

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Pictured at Kerry County Council offices in Tralee were : Front L-R : Diarmuid Dineen , Ned O’Shea of Ned O Shea & Sons , Mayor of Kerry Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald and CEO KCC Martin O’Donoghue . Back L-R : John Kennelly KCC , Shane O’Shea Ned O’Shea & Sons , Shane Kavanagh KCC , Mikey Sheehy Mayor of Tralee and Michael O’Donoghue KCC . Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

Construction work is due to commence shortly on the new housing development at the Island of Geese in Tralee.

Contracts were signed this week for the scheme which is located within the former Denny factory site at the Island of Geese in the town centre.

The development, named Tearmann na nGéanna, is located on Matt Talbot Road, and will consist of 22 one-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom apartments.

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Kerry County Council have employed the technical advisory services of Van Dijk Architects for design development and Ned O’Shea & Sons Construction Ltd was recently awarded the construction contract.

The new scheme received Part 8 planning approval in 2022.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald welcomed the signing of contracts this week, adding that the new units would provide high-standard accommodation for many individuals and families in need of housing.

News, Sport

REPORT: Kerry FC Defeated At Cobh Ramblers

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David Moriarty reports on Kerry FC’s away game against Cobh Ramblers last night…

COBH RAMBLERS 2-1 KERRY FC

Kerry FC travelled for their penultimate away game of the season as they travelled to St. Colman’s Park on Friday evening to take on Cobh Ramblers.

Kerry FC were looking to improve on the point they took away from Finn Harps last week and Cobh were looking for their second win on the bounce as they beat Athlone Town last Friday night.

With just a couple of games left in the season, both sides wanted to finish the season on a high which started with a wet night in Cobh.

Cobh took the lead early on through a penalty from Jason Abbott. Matthew McKevitt was played through on goal and tried to go around Antonio Tuta.

McKevitt won the duel with Tuta as the Croatian took him down with referee David Dunne having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Abbott stepped up and placed the ball into the top right corner to give the hosts the lead.

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Kerry had their first real chance on goal in the nineteenth minute when Nathan Gleeson had possession of the ball just outside the eighteen yard box.

A flick up had Kerry FC looking for a penalty which was waved away, Nathan continued with the ball and got his shot off but it did not trouble Darragh Burke in the Ramblers goal who claimed the ball with ease.

The first sight on goal was a sign of more to come for Kerry FC as shortly after Cian Brosnan got the equaliser. A great ball through the channel into Brosnan was timed perfectly and Cian had no trouble in finishing the opportunity into the bottom left corner.

McGrath and Brosnan linked up once again seven minutes before halftime as a low cross into the area by Sean McGrath was met by Cian Brosnan at the near post but he could not get enough on the effort to divert it towards goal as Kerry FC finished the first half in a strong position.

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Kerry FC had a decent amount of possession at the beginning of the second half and Oran Crowe got the first real chance of the second forty-five.

A long shot from Crowe outside the area nestled off the side netting and from some angles it looked like it may have gone in but it was not to be for Kerry FC’s number four.

On the hour mark a nice bit of play from Nathan Gleeson led to an over the top pass to Sean McGrath. Just before Sean was able to pull the trigger the ball was cleared away by Cobh in a good piece of defensive play from the home team.

Although Kerry FC had the better chances and the most possession of the second half it would be Cobh who would regain their lead.

Dale Holland took a shot from just inside the box and was saved well by Antonio Tuta who put the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner was swung in and Jason Abbott rose highest and got his second goal of the night from a lovely header.

The game was then controlled by Cobh from there on out and they went away in the end with all three points. A special mention must come the way of Rob Vasiu who came on as a second half substitute to make his first appearance of the season after injury.

Now for Kerry FC they still sit ninth with Longford Town to still play at the weekend and Kerry look ahead to next week’s final away game of the season as they travel to Ferrycarrig Park to take on Wexford FC.

COBH RAMBLERS TEAM: 1. DARRAGH BURKE, 2. MICHAEL MCCARTHY, 5. BRENDAN FRAHILL, 10. JACK LARKIN, 16. DAVID BOSNJAK, 20. CHARLIE O’BRIEN, 27. DAVID EGUAIBOR, 28. DALE HOLLAND, 33. REGIX MADIKA, 38. LUKA LE BERVET, 39. JASON ABBOTT (C) (GOAL ‘ 7 PEN, ‘71).

SUBS: CATHAL O’HANLON, L. CURTIN, JUSTIN EGUAIBOR, DEAN LARKIN, PIERCE PHILLIPS, JAMES O’LEARY, NOLAN EVERS.

KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 23. FINN BARRETT, 6. ETHAN KOS, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 24. CIAN BARRETT, 7. SEAN MCGRATH, 13. NATHAN GLEESON, 10. VALERII DOLIA, 17. CIAN BROSNAN (GOAL ‘22).

SUBS: DAIRE FOLEY, VICTOR UDEZE, ROB VASIU, TOM HEALY, ANDREW KERINS, KENNEDY AMECHI, BOBBY AMADASUN

News

Radio Kerry Strikes Gold Again At IMRO Awards

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Ivan Hurley and Tim Moynihan with the Gold award last night. Photo: Radio Kerry

Radio Kerry enjoyed some success at the IMRO Awards held at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny last night.

The Weekend Sports programme won the Gold award in the Best Sports Programme Local/Regional category at the prestigious awards known as the ‘Radio Oscars’.

Tim Moynihan won a Silver award in the Sports Broadcaster Of The Year Local/Regional category and JJ O’Shea who won Bronze in the Specialist Music Broadcaster of the Year category.

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Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Sponsored: Create Magical Family Memories At The Ashe Hotel This Christmas

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A new Christmas experience is coming to The Ashe this December!

Join us this festive season for magic at The Ashe on Sunday 15th December. Enjoy a magical family lunch at Alfie’s Lounge and a memory-making meet and greet with the main man Santa.

During your experience enjoy a delicious festive two-course family lunch in decorative Alfie’s Lounge and after your meal step into the sparkling Lottie’s space for a special meet and greet with Santa by the cosy fireplace.

Children will receive a little gift from Santa and a digital family photo to capture the magic moment.

Magic at The Ashe is taking place on Sunday 15th December, €34 per adult and €20 per child.

Booking in advance is essential as there is limited times available. To Book call The Ashe Hotel on 0667106300 or email celebrate@theashehotel.ie today.

News, SCHOOLS

Exciting Open Day Planned At Presentation Secondary School

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PRESENTATION Secondary School Tralee is preparing for its Open Day next Saturday, October 12, from 11am to 1pm.

Driving Academic Excellence Since 1809

At Presentation Secondary School Tralee, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of educating young girls and consistently surpassing national standards. Our commitment to academic excellence has produced top-performing students year after year.

Experience the ‘Tus Maith’ Induction Programme

Our incoming first-year students are welcomed with the unique ‘Tus Maith’ induction programme. This engaging experience introduces young minds to the exciting world of secondary education in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through interactive and enjoyable activities, students get a head start on their educational journey.

Explore a World of Opportunities

We offer a subject taster module, allowing students to explore all subjects and short courses before making their ultimate choices for the Junior Cycle. This ensures that every student finds their passion and excels in their chosen fields.

Dynamic Partnerships and Comprehensive Learning

Our extensive curricular offerings are enhanced by our dynamic school cooperation programme. This collaboration spans various subjects, including Construction Studies, Technology, IT Multimedia, and Photography, providing a transformative and comprehensive learning experience.

Nurturing Future Leaders

At Presentation Tralee, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but also cultivating future leaders. Our committed and experienced staff introduce students to a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports and the arts to enterprise, innovation, and digital technologies.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for us, with multiple milestones and successes some of which include:

• Pres Panthers: Awarded All Ireland Schools Basketball B Champions
• U 16.5 Camogie Team defended Junior Champions Title at the Kerry Group blitz
• BT Young Scientist: Overall Group Runner-Up
• Scifest: Winner Communications Award
• Microsoft Dreamspace Ambassador Programme: Platinum Award
• Texaco Children’s Art Competition: Special Merit Award
• Green School’s 6th Renewal Flag Re: Global Citizenship Litter & Waste
• Garda Youth Achievement Awards: Community Safety Award

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce a multi euro investment  to usher modernisation and expansions of our campus and faacilities combined with a €150,897 sports capital grant in September 2024. This will fund the installation of an astropitch, a fantastic development for our school campus and community.

Join Us for Our Open Day!

We invite you to join us for our Open Day Saturday October 12th at 11:00am and experience first-hand the vibrant and energetic environment at Presentation Secondary School Tralee. Discover how we drive academic excellence and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

Entertainment, News

Finnegan On Films: Action, Drama And Swordplay On The Box

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With the rain teeming down outside, our movie guy, James Finnegan, looks at the movies on TV today and tonight to keep you entertained…

There is nothing like a Saturday film full of daring do, and 633 Squadron (Saturday 4pm RTE1) certainly fits the bill.

A Norwegian lieutenant, Erik Bergman (George Chakiris), gets to England during the Second World War with important information regarding the location of a Nazi rocket fuel plant.

RAF pilots, under Wing Commander Roy Grant (Cliff Robertson), are tasked with bombing the plant, but the capture of a resistance fighter threatens the plan.

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The plot is a bit dated, but the aerial action scenes are very good with a stirring score by Ron Goodwin.  It is not a true story but is based on a number of real RAF missions.

Sam Rockwell lends his vocal talents to the animated adventure The Bad Guys (Saturday 6.35pm RTE1).

A group of serial animal criminals, Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Shark, Mr Piranha and Ms Tarantula are finally caught.  They pretend to change their ways in order to avoid prison. However, one of the gang realises that he actually does want to lead a law-abiding life.

This looks amazingly colourful, and I can easily imagine the cast had great fun making this.  Their enjoyment comes through and is well worth a family watch.

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Good Night and Good Luck (Saturday 9.45pm TG4) is a fact based drama about American broadcast journalist Edward R Murrow’s stand against Senator McCarthy’s anti-communist witch hunts in the 1950’s.

Written, directed and staring George Clooney, this film boasts a stellar cast including Patricia Clarkson, Robert Downey Jr, Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels and David Strathairn as Murrow and was nominated for a number of awards.  The resonance with current times is disturbing.

In Absolute Power (Saturday 9.50 RTE2), a burglar, Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) flees a crime scene after witnessing a murder involving the US President (Gene Hackman)

However, a dogged detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris) is on his trail, and Whitney realises he must prove his innocence before shadowy secret service agents silence him for good.

Produced, written, directed and of course starring Clint Eastwood, it also stars Laura Linney, Judy Davis, Scott Glenn, Richard Jenkins and in his last screen appearance E.G. Marshall.

Fast and Furious 9 (Saturday 10.10 RTE1) has a plot that is hard to describe as I had little interest in F&F 1-8, but for you, gentle reader, I will try.

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is forced to postpone his retirement when Cipher, a dangerous cyber terrorist, escapes with the help of Dominic’s estranged brother who is also an international terrorist.

Again, the action sequences are spectacular, but I had no idea what was happening between them, and to whom, so have at it!

Excalibur (Sunday 12.45am RTE1) is John Boorman’s atmospheric take on the Arthurian legend.

Nigel Terry is the king whose peaceful reign is plunged into chaos by an affair and his scheming half-sister Morgana (Helen Mirren)

This also stars Nicol Williamson, Nicolas Clay, Cherie Lunghi, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart, many of who were making their big screen debut. Enjoy!

News

Know Your Rights: Partial Capacity Benefit

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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…

Partial Capacity Benefit is a social welfare scheme which allows you to return to work or self-employment if you have reduced capacity to work as a consequence of your illness or disability and to continue to receive a payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP).

How do I qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit?

If you are currently getting Illness Benefit (for a minimum of 6 months) or Invalidity Pension and wish to return to work, you may qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit if your capacity for work is reduced by your medical condition. You will qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit if your restriction on capacity for work is assessed as moderate, severe, or profound. If it is assessed as mild you will not qualify.

The work you do while on Partial Capacity Benefit does not have to be for rehabilitative or therapeutic purposes.

You can check the financial consequences of starting work and claiming Partial Capacity Benefit by using the Benefit of Work Estimator tool on welfare.ie. or by calling in to your local Citizens Information Centre.

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I am in receipt of Invalidity Pension & thinking of doing voluntary work. Must I apply for Partial Capacity Benefit?

If you are getting the Invalidity Pension and want to do volunteer work, you must apply directly to the Invalidity Pension section for permission. You do not have to transfer onto the Partial Capacity Scheme if you wish to do voluntary work.

How long can I get Partial Capacity Benefit?

If you are coming from Invalidity Pension, your Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) will continue for up to 3 years (156 weeks), or until you turn 66. You can apply for PCB again at the end of the 3 years. You will be reassessed to find out if you qualify.

If you are coming from Illness Benefit, your PCB payment will continue to the end of your entitlement to Illness Benefit.

If I transfer to Partial Capacity Benefit and start work but become ill again what are my options?

When you are getting Partial Capacity Benefit and you are unable to work for a period of time due to illness, you should contact the Partial Capacity Section and let them know about your situation

For short periods of illness (up to 8 weeks at a time), you can stay on Partial Capacity Benefit, but your weekly rate can be increased to the full Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension personal rate.

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For longer periods of illness (greater than 8 weeks), DSP will reassess your Partial Capacity Benefit claim and you may return to your Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension. If you become able for work again you can contact DSP about going back onto Partial Capacity Benefit.

What is the rate of Partial Capacity Benefit?

Partial Capacity Benefit is made up of a personal rate for you and may include increases for your qualified adult and qualified children. The personal rate of payment is based on the assessment of your restriction on capacity for work, whether you were in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension and your current rate of payment.

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Do I keep my entitlement to secondary benefits if I transfer to Partial Capacity Benefit?

If you were getting Invalidity Pension and were entitled to Free Travel or Island Allowance, you can keep these if you qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit. You cannot keep your Fuel Allowance.

You can also keep the Household Benefits Package but it will be means-tested after the first 2 years and annually after that. The means test has a weekly income limit.

This limit is the maximum rate of State Pension (Contributory) for your circumstances (this includes any dependents you may have) plus €120. Your weekly income limit is then compared to your weekly means in a means test.

If you were getting Invalidity Pension and a Living Alone Allowance (LAA) with your Invalidity Pension (or you start to live alone while you are getting PCB), your rate of PCB will be calculated on the basis of your Invalidity Pension and your LAA. So, for example, if your restriction on capacity for work is severe, your PCB payment will be 75% of your IP and LAA payment.

You should check with the Department of Social Protection to see how your Rent Supplement may be affected by your participation in the Partial Capacity Scheme.

How do I apply for Partial Capacity Benefit?

You complete a Partial Capacity Benefit form, which you can get from the Department of Social Protection or from your local Citizens Information Centre.  A Medical Assessor will assess the restriction on your capacity for work.

This may require you to attend a medical assessment. You should include all appropriate medical evidence with your application. If you qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit, you are not required to send in medical certificates.

When should I apply?

You must apply for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) within 21 days of starting work. You can apply for Partial Capacity Benefit before you get a job. You must start work within 13 weeks of making your application.

Partial Capacity Benefit is not paid to people over 66. You should apply for a State Pension at least 3 months before your 66th birthday.

What are my options, if I apply for PCB and my application is unsuccessful?

You can appeal a decision on your claim for Partial Capacity Benefit to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. You should appeal within 21 days of getting the decision. If you need advice or assistance with your appeal, you should contact your local Citizens Information Centre for advocacy support.

• If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or you have other questions, you can drop-in to your local Citizens Information Service in Tralee, Killarney or Caherciveen – opening hours are listed on our website www.citizensinformation.ie  

You can also contact us by telephone or email:

Tralee

Tel: 0818 07 7860

Email: tralee@citinfo.ie

Killarney

Tel: 0818 07 7820

Email: Killarney@citinfo.ie

Caherciveen 

Tel: 0818 07 7780

Email: caherciveen@citinfo.ie

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News, WHAT'S ON

Kerry Men Urged To Take Part In ‘Dickie Dip’ For Great Cause

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The Mater Hospital Foundation has teamed up with Radio Nova’s Morning Glory presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe (pictured) to encourage men from all across Ireland to take part in The Dickie Dip. Pic: Celine Nic Oireachtaigh

THE Mater Hospital Foundation has teamed up with Radio Nova’s Morning Glory presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe to encourage men from all across Kerry and all of Ireland to take part in The Dickie Dip; the annual, all-male, life-affirming skinny dip fundraiser, taking place in Skerries, Co. Dublin on Saturday,  November 16.

Join PJ, Jim and hundreds of brave men baring it all and wading into the sea to help make a life-saving difference for men’s cancer patients in the Mater Hospital.

Since the inaugural event in 2019, The Dickie Dip participants have stood in solidarity with their fellow men and raised a phenomenal €414,000 to provide essential supports and services for patients who need it most in the hospital.

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This year, the Mater Hospital Foundation hopes to raise an ambitious €120,000 for men’s cancer care in the Mater, with the help of hundreds of brave dippers.

Simply visit www.materfoundation.ie/dickiedip and fill out the short registration form. Every dipper who signs up will receive a free dickie bow and a personalised Eventmaster fundraising page, which they can share with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Participants will also be invited to join the Dickie Dip Facebook Group, where you can meet with fellow Dickie Dip participants and learn more about this exhilarating and impactful event.

News

Council Urges Public To Prepare For Adverse Weather On Saturday

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Kerry County Council is appealing to members of the public to be prepared for very heavy and prolonged rainfall during the period of the Status Orange weather warning tomorrow.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange weather warning for Kerry  in effect from midnight tonight until midnight on Saturday night.

Met Éireann is advising of the possibility of coastal and river flooding, difficult driving conditions and spot flooding on roads.

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The Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has been meeting regularly to monitor the forecast and has deployed crews to prepare for the adverse conditions.

Gulleys and drains are being cleared and sandbags are being made available in areas which are prone to flooding.

The Council’s emergency phoneline will be available throughout the duration of the Orange warning and can be contacted on 066 7183588

The Council is appealing to motorists to travel with care on all routes, to slow down, and to be prepared for the likelihood of spot flooding and surface water on roads.

Exposed coastal areas should be avoided and members of the public should observe the message: “Stay back, stay high, and stay dry.”

Updates from Kerry County Council will be provided on Facebook and X.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

National Circus Festival Returns To Tralee

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A colourful performer in the Circus Festival Parade last year. Photo by Dermot Crean

NOW in its 24th year, The National Circus Festival of Ireland (NCFI) returns to Tralee for four days of captivating homegrown and international talent from October 31 to November 3.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy performance workshops, colourful conventions, a spectacular parade, fireworks and more.

The NCFI is a four day celebration of contemporary circus that is thrilling and  challenging and continues to set the standard for contemporary circus performance in Ireland.

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Each year, the NCFI sees some of the world’s most talented circus with jaw-dropping handpicked acts at the top of their game from all over the world, including Canada, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and France who are set to thrill, delight and amaze the lucky audiences.

Speaking about the programme, Festival Director Con Horgan, said that he is working on a ‘Circus for All’ Policy, with an equity, diversity and inclusion lens.

“The festival has been a wonderful example of how circus can and should be celebrated! We want to connect with all members of society and ensure there are no barriers between us and you, our joyous audience. Circus is a powerful force for connecting people and challenging preconceptions. It creates beauty, fun, death-defying and life-affirming experiences. We do our work in public spaces and we know how to use our bodies to move beyond language barriers and create immediate human connection.”

Highlights from this year’s four day circus extravaganza include a parade and fireworks on Friday, November 1 on Denny Street; Children’s Circus Workshop; Circus Siamsa; the Circus, Juggling, Acrobatic and Aerial Convention and film night.

View the full programme and purchase tickets from €5 – €70 at www.circusfestival.ie