Category Archives: News

News, WHAT'S ON

Fundraiser To Help Young Girl Battle Rare Form Of Cancer

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Siobhan Mather.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News, SCHOOLS, Sport

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

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The Presentation Tralee girls team celebrates after winning the cup.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News

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

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Petmania Tralee.

IT’S not just for humans apparently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business/Property, News

Tralee Hotels Feature In TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2018

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The Ashe Hotel features in the TripAdvisor awards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Still Time To Submit Entries For Donal Walsh LiveLife Film Competition

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Looking forward to the Donal Walsh Livelife Foundation Film Competition were, seated; Chairperson Marketing Committee Chapter 23 of Kerry and West Limerick Credit Union, Helen Courtney Power and Manager of Bons Secours Hospital Tralee, TJ O’Connor. Back from left; Mary Lucey, LiveLife Film Competition, Maurice Galway, Judge of LiveLife Film Competition and Elma Walsh of Donal Walsh LiveLife Foundation. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE’S still a couple of weeks to get your entries in for the Donal Walsh #LiveLife National Film Competition 2017/18.

The hugely popular competition has three categories Primary School, Secondary School and adult and always throws up some serious filmmaking talent.

“We want you to remember Donal and his “Live Life” ethos by getting you to create a two minute film and submit an entry to the competition,” said Mary Lucey of the LiveLife Film competition.

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“This year the theme is ‘Take My Hand’. Please remember everybody is eligible to enter a film, you do not have to be an experienced film-maker, just take part! You can make a film alone, in a group of friends, as a class, as a group of students and there are three categories; primary school, secondary school and adult/general.”

Email livelifefilmcompetition@gmail.com with your contact details and the youtube or vimeo link of your film clip. The closing date for entries is midnight on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

The awards ceremony attended by celebrities will be held on February 21, 2018, in the Brandon Conference Centre, Tralee.  Last year saw over 800 in attendance so it will be an amazing event again next February.

News

Status Orange Wind Warning As Storm Georgina Approaches

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THERE’s a Status Orange Wind Warning for Ireland issued by Met Eireann for tonight.

A depression now named Storm Georgina will track to the northwest of the country tonight with southwest winds reaching mean speeds between 65 and 80 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h for a time tonight.

However,  Met Eireann predicts winds will be strongest in western and northwestern counties and along the southeast coast so Kerry should escape the worst. The warning is valid from midnight tonight until 5am Wednesday morning.

Business/Property, News

An Bord Pleanála Grants Permission For Betting Shop On Pembroke Street

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The premises on Pembroke Street which Bar One Racing plan on turning into a bookmakers.

AN Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for a new bookmakers next to The Greyhound Bar on Pembroke Street.

Bar One Racing, who don’t have an presence in town yet, was granted permission last year, but this was appealed by three parties to An Bord Pleanála.

However, in a judgement published earlier this month, the body has now granted permission for the business — which operates a chain of  betting offices throughout the Republic of Ireland — to set up a Tralee branch. Permission is granted for a betting office on the ground floor only.

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News

Bishop Of Kerry Launches Catholic Schools Week 2018

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Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne launching Catholic Schools Week at Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne last week.

CATHOLIC Schools Week 2018 will be celebrated from Sunday, January 28th until Saturday, February.  The theme for the week is: ‘Called to be a Family of Families.’

The programme invites Catholic schools to reflect on and to celebrate the relationship that exists between home, school and parish.

To launch Catholic Schools’ week, Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, joined the management, staff and students of three Post-Primary Schools throughout the diocese: Pobailscoil Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore;  Pobalscoil Chorcha Dhuibhne, Dingle and St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School in Killarney.

“This annual event has established itself as popular and important in our Primary and Secondary Schools,” said Bishop Ray Browne. “It highlights both the faith element, and also the triple partnership of home, school and parish. As a way of highlighting its importance I am visiting five Secondary Schools this January. Looking towards the World Meeting of Families in Dublin in August the theme chosen for this year is, ‘The Catholic School, a Family of Families’.”

 

 

News

Fenit Diving Boards Group Happy With Council Meeting On Issue

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Feasibility stage sketch design of the new diving boards at Fenit.

THE Restore Fenit Diving Boards Campaign (RFDBC) said they very pleased with the meeting with Kerry County Council held yesterday at Council buildings to discuss the issue.

A delegation from RFDBC  held a very constructive, cordial and positive meeting with officials to consider the restoration of the diving boards at the bathing slip in Fenit.

The meeting was chaired by Mayor of Tralee, Norma Foley, who was instrumental in bringing the two parties together.

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Liam Doyle, Paddy Kissane, Mike O Neill, John Edwards and Billy Ryle were the members of the delegation while Kerry County Council was represented by Michael Scannell, Manager, Tralee Municipal District, Jean Foley, Municipal District Officer, Vincent Foley, Municipal Insurance Officer and Frank Hartnett, Municipal District Engineer.

In a wide reaching and comprehensive power point presentation, the members of the RFDBC retraced the almost 100 year tradition of diving at the bathing slip in Fenit.

They put forward an argument as to why the time was opportune to restore the diving boards. They explained why Failte Ireland has recognised the diving boards as an integral component of Fenit’s aqua-tourist infrastructure on Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way coastal route.

The presentation showed how the restoration of the diving boards was totally consistent with Kerry County Council Tourism Strategy 2016-2022, a major objective of which is to promote North Kerry as a ‘Family Friendly Location’ as well as promoting family friendly tourism by increasing the number of aqua-sport activities for children and teenagers.

The delegation outlined the detailed technical work carried out over a six month period and presented a number of feasibility stage sketch designs of the new diving boards.

The presentation concluded with a suggested agenda and timeline for progressing to the next stage of the project.

A detailed question and answer session with the officials followed the presentation. The officials gave a commitment to examine the feasibility of the project from the perspective of design, cost and insurance.

Mayor Foley suggested a period of four weeks for Kerry Council to explore the project. She will then convene a further meeting.

RFDBC delegates said they were very pleased with the meeting and the willingness of the officials to recognise the added value of the diving boards to the tourist infrastructure of the county.

News

Body Of Tralee Man Found In Ecuador

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David Higgins in one of his Youtube videos.

THE body of young kayaker, David Higgins from Tralee, has been found in Ecuador.

Mr Higgins (26), who has been living in Galway for a number of years, went missing when he and four other men got into difficulty during a flash flood on the Abanico river on Saturday.

His body was recovered at 5pm local time on Monday. Another Irishman Alex McGourty (19) from Sligo, also died in the tragedy.

British kayaker Adam Nicolas Vaughan is still missing. A US citizen Jeremiath Stewart was rescued on Saturday and Ecuadorian kayaker Joaquin Meneses was discovered alive and well yesterday.

News

Pauline Wins €23,000 On ‘Winning Streak’ Show

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Pauline Bell from Camp, won €23,000 including a holiday in Iceland on last Saturday’s 20th January 2018 National Lottery Winning Streak Game Show on RTE. Pictured here at the presentation of winning cheques were from left: Catherine Scannell, National Lottery ticket selling agent, O’Dwyer’s Londis Topshop Camp; Marty Whelan, Winning Streak Game Show co-host; Pauline Bell, the winning player Fergus Roche, Head of Technology, The National Lottery; Patrick O’Sullivan, National Lottery Ticket selling agent, O’Dwyer’s Londis Topshop Camp and Sinead Kennedy Winning Streak Game Show co-host. Photo: Mac Innes Photography.

CAMP resident, Pauline Bell, cleaned up on the National Lottery and RTE Winning Streak game show last Saturday, walking away from the show with €23,000 which included a holiday to Iceland.

Pauline, who bought her ticket in O’Dwyer’s Londis in Camp, was born in the UK and moved to Ireland in 1980 with her husband Les, from Hexham in Northumberland, on the English/Scottish border in 1980 and originally settled in Adare Co. Limerick.

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The couple, married for the past 54 years, set up a B&B and haven’t looked back since. Now retired, has settled in the  village of Camp, beside the Slieve Mish Mountains.

Pauline was supported by her only son, John, who still lives in Adare with wife Siobhan and their twin children Shannon and Jake along with a host of other family and friends on Saturday.

News

Gardaí Look For Witnesses To Assault On Castle Street

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GARDAI in Tralee are appealing for information in relation to an assault which took place just before Christmas in the town.

In the early hours of Saturday, December 23 at around 3am, a man in his late 30s was assaulted by a man in his mid 40s on Lower Castle Street.

The assaulted man was helped while on the ground by two females and gardai are hoping that they will make contact with Tralee Garda Station on 066-7102300.

The victim needed hospital treatment after the assault. Gardaí are also appealing to anyone else who was in the area at that time to contact them if they saw anything suspicious around that time.

Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: Tralee Rowing Club Members Enjoy Annual Social Event

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Ciara Darcy, Sarah Hoare, Emma Fitzgibbon, Katie Nagle, Shauna Flynn and Sarah Fitzgerald at the Tralee Rowing Club social at O’Donnells Bar on Saturday night.

TRALEE Rowing Club celebrated their annual social event last Saturday at O’Donnell’s Bar, Mounthawk, with a belated Christmas party for all members and their families.

They also had something to celebrate from earlier that day at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championship with Nicolas Larkin winning 1st place at his J15 race.

They had a fabulous night with DJ music and lovely party food that brought them not only dancing but also “rocking the boat” with the famous Hues Corporation song.

The party was an opportunity for Tralee Rowing Club to gather together and enjoy a well deserved night out, after all the hard work put in training, coaching, competing and running the club. Scroll down for photos…

Bela Winde, Sarah Fitzgerald and Nicolas Larkin, junior members of Tralee Rowing Club at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championship 2018 in University of Limerick.
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Cliona O’Regan, Siobhan Cadogan, Emer Lardner and Grace Callinan. at the Tralee Rowing Club social at O’Donnells Bar on Saturday night.
Liam O’Brien, Nicolas Larkin, Stephen Gannon and Matthew O’Mahony at the Tralee Rowing Club social at O’Donnells Bar on Saturday night.
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Jack Walsh, Luke Bishop, Bela Winde and Daithi O’Regan at the Tralee Rowing Club social at O’Donnells Bar on Saturday night.
Cathy Fitzgerald, David Fitzgerald, Peter Larkin, Tania Lawlor and Eamonn Lawlor at the Tralee Rowing Club social at O’Donnells Bar on Saturday night.
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Catriona Donovan, Teresa Ryall, David Ryall and David Ryall (Senior) at the Tralee Rowing Club social at O’Donnells Bar on Saturday night.
News, SCHOOLS

St John’s Parochial School To Hold Open Day This Saturday

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Teacher Maura O’Doherty in class with pupils of St John’s Parochial School. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT’S a wonderful school right in the heart of Tralee and the good people of St John’s Parochial School on Ashe Street want to make the parents more aware of it with an open day this Saturday at 1pm.

“The open day is a chance for parents to come in and get a feel for the supportive and positive atmosphere in the school,” explained Acting Principal, Patricia Fitzell. “Families will get an idea of what school life is like in that short period of time and we have activities organised for children on the day.”

It’s a two teacher school with two classrooms teaching 43 pupils, with juniors to second class taught by Mrs Fitzell, while third to sixth class pupils are taught by Maura O’Doherty. There’s also a special education teacher and two classroom assistants.

“We’re a tightly knit community here and pupils can easily form friendships with fellow children   in the other classes. These friendships are fostered with the various activities we organise throughout the year such as the Trick Or Treat for Temple Street or the Down Syndrome Ice Cream Day and movie nights,” said Patricia.

Physical education and positive mental health are also important at St John’s as they have a football coach, a coach for essential movement skills and a coach for mindfulness. The school has two support rooms and a multi-sensory room for pupils with special needs.

Acting Principal, Patricia Fitzell with junior infants to second class pupils.

The school is right in the middle of town which allows easy access to the the attractions and amenities like Tralee Library, Siamsa Tíre, Kerry County Museum and more.

“The transition to primary school is a big step in the life of the child — and the parents — and we’re committed to helping all our potential junior infants to settle in to their new environment and answer any queries from parents on the day,” said Patricia.

They also have a Green Schools Committee consisting of pupils who monitor the schools waste management on a daily basis, while the Student Council organises fundraising events.

Pupils in the multi-sensory room.

“We have an active parents association which is very supportive of the school and organise various fundraising activities. This is a great opportunity for incoming parents to get to know existing parents in the school,” said Patricia.

Though the school has Church Of Ireland patronage, St John’s welcomes pupils from all religious backgrounds and none. Preparation for the sacraments is done outside the school and if children want to receive First Holy Communion that can be arranged.

So if you have a child going to school this September, why not call down at 1pm on Saturday and see for yourself the great facilities they have at St John’s Parochial School on Ashe Street.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Tom And Eileen Call Time On Life At Kerins O’Rahillys Bar

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Tom and Eileen O’Shea are to leave the Kerins O’Rahillys after over 30 years manning the bar. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT’LL be an emotional occasion for Tom and Eileen O’Shea on Wednesday, January 31, as they will spend their last night behind Charlie’s Bar at Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse.

The couple are part of the furniture at the club and have seen so many changes over the years. They’ve catered for weddings, birthdays, christenings, funerals and more, seeing club members growing up and making great friends along the way.

Tom, a native of Conahy, Co. Kilkenny, married Eileen Lynch from Foilmore and the couple moved up to the county capital from south Kerry over 30 years ago.

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“We’ve had great, happy years here,” said Tom. “We’ve made some fantastic friends over the years and sadly some of them are no longer with us. We’ve served three generations of families coming here over the years and we’ve been to people’s weddings and special occasions.”

“The highlight of our time here the club winning the county championship in 2002, but we’ve had other amazing days here too,” said Tom.

Having spent so much time in the club, Eileen said the future will bring a big change.

“It’ll be a huge adjustment — from working seven days a week and meeting people all the time — but I’m looking forward to having a bit of time to spare and being able to spend time with family. But we’ll always be Narie supporters! We’ll be in and out but on the other side of the counter,” said Eileen.

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Chairman of Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club, Haulie Kerins, paid tribute to Tom and Eileen for their service over the years.

“Tom and Eileen have been here for 30 years and they were marvellous ambassadors for the club over the years. There was always a great welcome and hospitality for club members and anyone who came into the bar. It’ll be an emotional farewell for them both because it’s a lifetime of work between them here. They saw a lot of changes over the years and we wouldn’t have the fantastic bar and facilities looking and maintained so well without Tom and Eileen. They were central to maintaining our status here as the hub of the community.

There’s a great night planned on Wednesday, January 31, with music from Danny Goggin and Tom and Eileen are hoping people will call in so they can say goodbye on the night.

Mike O’Connor, a Knocknagoshel man living in Ardfert, who has been working at the bar over the past few years, will take over as boss at Charlies Bar and all at the club wish him well.

News, WHAT'S ON

Join Poshey And Co. For Final 5k Walk Of 31 Day Challenge

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MANY people are currently hitting the road every day this month for the 5k A Day January Challenge.

Organised by Colin ‘Poshey’ Aherne, the campaign has proved hugely popular with almost €11,500 already raised for three great organisations — Donal Walsh LiveLife Foundation, Kerry Cancer Support Group and Make A Wish Foundation.

Well Poshey wants as many people as possible to join him for the final 5k on Wednesday, January 31 at 7pm at The Ashe Hotel.

“The final night will be 5k walk followed with a cheque presentation to the three chosen charities. Also, if people want to collect their medals on the night we can arrange it to make it special on the last night,” said Poshey, who thanked The Ashe Hotel for their continued support of his campaign.

Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: A Fun Afternoon As Families ‘Mingle On The Mall’

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Ironman and Spiderman at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

MORE of this please.

The weather gods smiled on Tralee on Saturday afternoon, as families gathered on the Mall for a party to mark the revamp of the area.

While we’ve seen horrendous showers for what seems like every 15 minutes over the past week, the rain stayed away for the three hours between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday and it allowed for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment.

There were performances by St John’s Pipe Band, the Kerry Choral Union, a Drum Dance Ireland drumming circle, Zumba dancing with Jelena, and entertainment from Kingdom Party Pals.

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There was also a Cappuccino Race which was keenly contested by representatives from local businesses and eventually won by Ghorgo from Costa Coffee.

There was also a Scavenger Hunt and much more on a day that hopefully will be repeated over the coming months, as The Mall space really lends itself to similar events. Scroll down for photos…

Mag, Saoirse and Emma Gee and Maeve Crean at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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There was a good crowd all day at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Amanda, Emma, Jamie and Allie Tarrant at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Lucy and Aine Falvey at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Some of the crowd at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Niamh, Evie and Paul Walsh at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Megan O’Sullivan, Eileen Kelliher, Aaron McLarnon and Jay Howard McLarnon at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Some of the crowd at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jarda Bilek, Trisha Higgins, BJ Nicolas, Catherine Smith, Ghorgo from Costa contestant in the Cappuccino Race at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Samantha Palmer, Elaine Clancy and Sally Ryle at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kieran Ruttledge, Ella Costello, Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley and Brendan O’Brien at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fun at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Toireasa, Seadhna and Martin Ferris, Aisleigh, Micko, Jean Marie and Shay Horan at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Anthony and Oonagh O’Gara at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
BJ and Trisha race at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Action during the Cappuccino Race at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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There was a good crowd all day at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ghorgo, the winner of the Cappuccino Race at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ patron Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The contestants line up for the Cappuccino Race at the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
News

Tralee Businesses Nominated For Irish Hospitality Awards

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Tralee Bay Wetlands.

A NUMBER of Tralee and Kerry businesses have been nominated for the 2018 Irish Hospitality Awards.

Over the last few months a campaign has been running where the public have been able to nominate their favourite establishment under a number of different categories.

Well the full shortlist has been announced and a number of Tralee businesses are in the running for awards.

Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre has been nominated in two categories in both the Best Day Out and Best Entertaining Team category.

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Kirby’s Brogue Inn and Baily’s Corner are nominated the Best Pub/Inn Of the Year Category (South-West), Woodlands Caravan Park is shortlisted in the Best Caravan Site category, Denton B&B and Sean Óg’s are in the Bed & Breakfast of the Year category and  Spa Seafood’s Restaurant is up for Restaurant of the Year (South-West).

Elsewhere in Kerry, Parknasilla Resort and Spa is up for Resort Hotel of the Year and Hotel of the Year, Killarney National Park is in the Tourist Attraction of the Year, Listowel Writers’ Week in the Best Irish Festival category, Stonechat Restaurant and Milano’s in Killarney in the Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year category, Kate Kearneys Cottage and Denjoes Family Restaurant in Killarney and Jumbo’s Family Restaurant, Listowel are up for Best Family Dining Restaurant, Doyle’s Seafood Bar (Dingle) and Mac’s Restaurant (Killarney) for  Restaurant of the Year (South-West),

The Irish Hospitality Awards aims to recognise and reward those within the hospitality industry that work hard to give their customers the best experience. The award ceremony will be held on Monday, February 12, at the Crowne Plaza, Dublin Airport.

News

Presentation Girls Keep Up The Banking Tradition

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Presentation students Doireann Thomas, Rachel Kilgallen, Leah Canty, Kerry Rose 2017 Breda O’Mahony, Bronagh Foley, Orlaith O Brien, Zainab Lawal at the launch of Bank 4 Women at the school on Thursday.

THEY’VE got some record in the competition and now the next Transition Year ‘generation’ of students are vying to keep up a winning tradition in the AIB Build A Bank Challenge.

Last year The Butterfly Bank won the top prize of €5,000 at the AIB Build A Bank Challenge competition final beating off opposition from all over the country.

Now the ‘Bank 4 Women’ team are aiming to emulate their achievements with the launch of their bank last Thursday.

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The AIB Build a Bank Challenge sees a team of six students selected to set up and manage a bank in their school with the full support of a dedicated AIB Student Officer.

The students get involved in everything from developing a Business Plan, branding their Bank and engaging with the community to sourcing new customers through creative marketing campaigns.

The school has an incredible record in the competition with ‘The Blossom Bank’ coming second in the national competition winning €3,000 for their school in 2016, while in 2015 ‘The Dream Bank’ from the school came first. Let’s see how the current crop gets on…

Business/Property, News

Kerry Businesspeople Urged To Enter EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Competition

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Anne Heraty, Chairperson of the judging panel;and Kevin McLoughlin, Partner, EY, at the launch of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 competition.

NOW in its 21st Year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 programme has officially opened for nominations from Kerry.

The theme of this year’s programme is “Ambition” and all sectors and businesses of all sizes are invited to submit their nominations until  February 16. The 24 finalists for 2018 will be announced on April 23.

Kerry’s entrepreneurs are encouraged to put themselves forward to follow in the footsteps of well-known Kerry business people: Brian McCarthy, Fexco; Jerry Kennelly, Stockbyte; Alan Scroope, Freeflow; Mike Fitzgerald, Altobridge and Edmund Harty, Dairymaster; who have all won category awards in the programme over the last 21 years.

The successful finalists will have the opportunity to connect, learn and do business with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni network, which consists of almost 500 of Ireland’s most successful business people.

The finalists will get an opportunity to participate in the renowned international CEO Retreat which is designed to help Irish entrepreneurs transform their thinking and vision through executive education. They will also gain significant profiling, nationally and internationally.

 

The awards programme is divided into three categories – Emerging, Industry and International – with 8 finalists chosen per category.

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, comprised of former EOY winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc.

Individuals who wish to put themselves forward or nominate an entrepreneur with their consent, can fill out the online nomination form at www.eoy.ieor call the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year team for further information at eoy@ie.ey.com. The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 16.

The finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme over a 10-month period which includes a week-long CEO Retreat.

As part of this international retreat, this year’s 24 finalists will join a group of more than 100 entrepreneurs, all previous finalists and winners of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme, and meet CEOs and entrepreneurs from some of the world’s biggest multinational companies.

The programme will include executive education sessions, the annual Gala Awards Dinner and many additional finalist benefits.

In addition they will receive significant media profiling. An award is presented for each category, and an overall winner is announced as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in October.

That person will go on to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monaco in June 2019. To apply to enter for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year click here

News

Brogue Inn And MJ’s Diner To Expand Creating Many New Jobs

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Kevin Cotter of Kirby’s Brogue Inn.

THE owners of Kirby’s Brogue Inn are set to for a major expansion of both the famous hostelry on Rock Street and their sister restaurant, MJ’s Diner, in Clash over the coming months.

Both MJ’s Diner and Kirby’s Brogue Inn will extend their premises and well in excess of 30 new full and part time jobs will be created. The expansions are to cope with growing trade and demand in both businesses.

The two restaurants between them already employ over 60 people and this number increases during the summer season.

There are also plans to open another business in the town centre over the next 12 to 18 months. More details of the expansion will be announced shortly.

This great news for the Cotter/Kirby family and the town coincides with their 40 years on the Rock celebrations.

Entertainment, News, SCHOOLS, WHAT'S ON

Caherleaheen NS Hopes For Full House At Bingo Bonanza In The Rose Hotel

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Looking forward to the Caherleaheen NS Bingo event in The Rose Hotel on Sunday, February 4 were, in front; Principal Mary Connolly and Ryan McMahon. Kneeling; Oisin Brosnan, Fionán Brosnan, Aidan Brennan and Amelia Obrusnik. Back; Sophie O’Donoghue, Ava McGough, Sean Óg Brosnan, Darragh O’Callaghan, Cian Caplis and Ben Callinan. Photo by Dermot Crean

CAHERLEAHEEN staff and pupils are getting ready for a fantastic fundraising day at The Rose Hotel with a ‘Bingo Bonanza’ afternoon.

It’ll be ‘eyes down’ at 2pm on Sunday, February 4, with well over €1,500 in prizes and a huge crowd is expected.

The event is open to the general public and Principal of the school, Mary Connolly, is hoping for a huge crowd on the day with all proceeds going towards their ‘Literacy Lift-Off’ programme.

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It’s not only cash prizes that will be given out. There’s also a raffle with a grand prize of a weekend away for two at the luxurious Cabra Castle in Co. Cavan.

Another prize is an escorted tour of Leinster House including lunch for two and there’ll also be €50 vouchers for local businesses to be won.

All the businesses who donated prizes and cash will have their names advertised in the venue. There’ll be ten games on the day with kids, singles and double books. It’s set to be a fun afternoon, so if you fancy winning some cash, head to The Rose Hotel on Sunday, February 4 at 2pm.

 

 

Business/Property, News

Tralee Company To Expand With New Jobs On The Way

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A TRALEE company is to expand its operations and will create seven new jobs to add to the workforce of 60.

BioAtlantis, based in Clash Industrial Estate, operates in the biostimulant and nutraceutical sectors and will advertise new positions in the areas of chemistry, biology and sales.

The company, founded in 2004, is extending its property in Tralee and will recruit the new employees in the coming months.

Speaking to Radio Kerry yesterday, Chief of Operations with BioAtlantis John T O’Sullivan said they are expanding in areas of research and development and sales and will be moving part of their operations from Kanturk.

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Kerry ETB Students From All Over County Receive Awards

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Award-winning students from Coláiste Gleann Lí, Luke Stack, Blanka Siekaniec, Paul McCarthy, Melanie Smith and Jasmine Griffin at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

SIXTY-SIX student awards were presented at the annual Kerry ETB Student Award ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night.

The event celebrates the achievements of students and learners from their Post Primary Schools and Youthreach centres.

Students from Coláiste Gleann Lí, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Coláiste na Sceilge, Coláiste na Ríochta, Killarney Community College, Killorglin Community College, Causeway Comprehensive, Castleisland Community College and Youthreach programmes received awards for academic excellence, involvement in school life, peer mentoring, Transition Year achievements and leadership.

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In addition to the official award ceremony, Kerry ETB also recognised national achievements of their schools in 2017.

This included Castleisland Community College’s Planet Savers and Water Explorers who both won national awards in their efforts to protect the environment in 2017.

In sport Síofra O’Shea from Coláiste na Sceilge was recognised for her achievement in Irish Basketball and Coláiste na Ríochta’s Killian O’ Gorman was acknowledged for his win in Irish Pitch and Putt, junior team 2017.

In Science Killorglin Community College’s Jack Nagle and Timothy McGrath were awarded certificates of recognition of their achievements in science and innovation.

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Kieran Lucid, former student of Kerry ETB School Causeway Comprehensive was the guest speaker on the night. Kieran, from Ballyheigue, set up his own data consultancy company QuantumKDB Ltd in 2011 and successfully sold it in a multimillion euro deal in 2016.

The awards also included the Best Oral Irish Junior Certificate Award, sponsored by the Lucey family in memory of Kathleen Lucey, RIP, former Irish teacher in Tralee Community College.

The award is especially significant this year as sadly Kathleen’s husband Paul, also a former teacher in Tralee Community College, passed away this December.

Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, highlighted the excellence in teaching and learning in Kerry ETB schools. She quoted from recent Department of Education and Skills Whole School Evaluations which highlighted the quality of teaching and learning and student care in ETB schools.

CEO of Kerry ETB, Colm McEvoy, also congratulated the students and thanked the event sponsor Lee Strand Cooperative Creamery Ltd. for their kind sponsorship and also Mr Oliver Murphy, President of Tralee Institute of Technology (Tralee IT) for hosting the ceremony in the IT. Scroll down for photos…

Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí students Caitlin Nic Giolla Ghunna, Aoife Ní Chonaill, Niamh Ní Chonaill, Aoife Ní Dhuilleáin and Molly Ní Bhrosnacháin at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Causeway Comprehensive award winners Rachel Burke, Katelyn Diggins, Danielle Flynn and Niamh Brouder at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Coláiste na Ríochta students with Deputy Principal Iseult Glynn and Principal Stephen Goulding at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students from Castleisland Community College at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Also included at back is Chief Executive Officer of Kerry ETB Colm McEvoy; teacher Juanita Lovett; Deputy Principal Teresa Lonergan; teacher Elaine Murphy and Chairman of the Kerry ETB Board Cllr Jim Finucane. Front centre is Kerry ETB Director of Schools Anne O’Dwyer and Chairman of Lee Strand John O’Sullivan. Photo by Dermot Crean
Colaiste na Sceilge students Ciarán Clifford, Abbie Daly, Mikayla Corcoran, Leah Brennan and Sarah Jane O’Shea at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Students from Youthreach with teachers and Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Students from Killarney Community College at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Award-Winning students from Killorglin Community College students Timothy McGrath, Sarah O’Shea, Cian Naylor, Sinead Horgan, Sinead Roche and Jack Nagle at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Award winner Melanie Smith of Coláiste Gleann Lí with parents Catherine and Damien at the Kerry ETB Student Award Ceremony at the IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Mercy Mounthawk Students Brave Elements For Walk By The Canal

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A large group at the Mercy Mounthawk YSI students Family First Canal Walk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT was a miserable Friday night with the rain spitting down, but well done to those who showed up for an event organised by students from Mercy Mounthawk.

Family First, a group of Young Social Innovators from the school, organised the family fun walk by the canal. While it was hoped people would turn up in fancy dress, it was a bit cold and wet for that, but prizes were given out nonetheless.

Before setting off, Karen O’Carroll from the group explained the reason for the walk.

“The Catholic theme for Mercy Mounthawk this year is families, so we decided to have a project in line with that. It’s so important that we show community spirit and show how important families are how lovely something like this can be.” Scroll down for photos…

Michael Moynihan, Garda Cathy Murphy and Sarah Healy at the Mercy Mounthawk YSI students Family First Canal Walk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Riadh O’Sullivan, Seniz Kuccuk and Kayla Sugrue at the Mercy Mounthawk YSI students Family First Canal Walk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Karen O’Carroll at the Mercy Mounthawk YSI students Family First Canal Walk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
News

Know Your Rights: Accessing Healthcare Abroad

 

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

Question: There is a long wait for a medical procedure that I need. Can I get my medical costs refunded if I have the procedure done in another European country?

Answer: If you are entitled to public health services that are available in Ireland, you can access these services in the European Economic Area (EEA). You will be repaid the cost if you meet the requirements.

This is provided for by the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive. The Directive covers services that are publicly funded and available in Ireland.

These include acute hospital services and community-based outpatient care. Other services covered include physiotherapy, ophthalmic, psychology, disability and mental health services. Occupational therapy services and dental and orthodontic services are also covered, but with some exceptions.

The Directive doesn’t cover treatments that qualify for the Treatment Abroad Scheme (in general, treatments that are not available in Ireland).

You must be referred to the health service abroad in the same way that you would be referred to public health services in Ireland.

This referral may be by your GP (family doctor) or public hospital consultant, for example. They may also be able to tell you whether the service you require is covered by the Directive. You can also check with the National Contact Point (details below).

If the treatment involves an overnight stay in hospital, it will need to be authorised in advance by the Health Service Executive (HSE). For other treatments, you should check whether prior authorisation is required.

You pay the costs of treatment and then apply for a refund when you return to Ireland. The amount repaid is either the amount that the treatment would cost in Ireland, or the cost of your treatment abroad, if that is less.

It does not include other costs such as travel. The HSE has published refund amounts for different treatments. To get a refund of treatment costs, you and your healthcare provider abroad must complete a HSE form.

You then submit it with the healthcare provider invoice and receipt. The HSE provides an invoice format that it recommends using for the invoice to make sure it includes all the required details.

To find out more, contact the National Contact Point: phone (056) 778 4546 or email crossborderdirective@hse.ie.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Service below.

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

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

Entertainment, News

Fancy Appearing On Brendan O’Connor’s ‘Cutting Edge’?

 

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Brendan O’Connor hosts the hit show, ‘Cutting Edge’.

THE award winning ‘Cutting Edge’ show is coming back our screens this spring and they want big personalities from Kerry to take part.

They are seeking people who are opinionated, outgoing and chatty to star in Brendan O’Connor’s hit show on RTÉOne.

Those who are familiar with the show will have heard the opinions of their regular cast of hairdressers, taxi drivers and dentist.

They now want the opinions of people from Kerry who work in those and similar professions: nail technicians, florists, tattoo artists, opticians, bakers, people who work with the public and have their finger on the pulse.

They will require just a couple of hours to film with each of our successfully cast contributors.

During that time, to be filmed at each person’s place of work, they will discuss a range of subjects – everything from breastfeeding in public to debating whether the Gardaí should have guns.

In this segment they focus on the kind of topics that are hotly contested over a pint or a cup of coffee up and down the country every day of the week.

If you are interested in taking part or getting more information, please get in touch by Monday, February 5. Contact Jennifer at Mind the Gap Films: Jennifer@mindthegapfilms.com / 01 6624742.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Planter Trees Appear On The Mall In Time For Party

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Planter trees in place on The Mall on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE Council has begun planting the trees in the square pots on The Mall this week as the final touches are put in place on the revamped space.

While obviously there’s no leaves on the trees at this time of the year, it still adds a nice look to the area which will host the ‘Mingle On The Mall’ party tomorrow.

The smaller circular pots dotted along the Mall/Bridge Street won’t see any plants until early spring to avoid frosts giving them a chance to flourish, but there are a few plants already in place.

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The ‘Mingle on the Mall’ is aimed at showcasing the brand new Tralee town centre and will include an exciting programme of free, family-oriented events and entertainment for all ages.

Trees on the Mall again. Photo by Dermot Crean

From 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, there will be a party atmosphere on the new look Mall and local businesses will be providing special offers to shoppers during the afternoon, so hopefully the weather will improve so families can enjoy the event.

There will be performances by St John’s Pipe Band, the Kerry Choral Union, a Drum Dance Ireland drumming circle, Zumba dancing with Jelena, and entertainment from Kingdom Party Pals.

Some plants already in place stretching up to Bridge Street.

Business owners and their teams will be taking part in a fun ‘Street Triathlon’ with Lip Syncing, Cappuccino Races and Chip ‘N’ Dip fun races. Meanwhile, teams of families or friends can register with the #LoveTralee volunteers for a Scavenger Hunt, with the support of town centre businesses, with lots of amazing prizes to be won for the fastest, funniest, friendliest, and fanciest dressed groups.

Kerry County Council, Tralee Chamber Alliance and Tralee town centre traders are encouraging members of the public to visit the town centre on Saturday and enjoy a celebration of the new look town centre.

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News

Nine Patients With Missed Or Delayed Diagnoses At UHK As Scan Review Continues

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THE South / South West Hospital Group says there have been nine patients with a delayed or missed diagnoses due to the University Hospital Kerry scans issue.

The review of scans is now three-quarters complete say the Group in their weekly update on the review, with the number of images reviewed at 35,921, from a total of 46,235.

The audit is taking place after three cases of delayed diagnosis came to light in July, resulting in the work of a former consultant radiologist who worked from March 2016 to July 2017 having to be reviewed.

There are ten  consultants examining the files and 114 patients have been recalled for repeat imaging with nine having missed or delayed diagnoses. This week, four patients will require further investigation.