Laura Kelliher, standing outside the shop which her family have run on Banna Beach for over 40 years. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
YESTERDAY saw the temperatures hit the mid-twenties for the first time this summer, so where else would you go but to hit the beach!
We’re spoiled by the beaches we have in the Tralee area so we headed to Banna and Fenit to talk to people on what’s so special about their chosen beach.
“I prefer to go to Banna, because the beach is bigger and there is a better atmosphere here, Fenit is just a pier really!” said Claire McCarthy on Banna Beach.
Claire Fitzmaurice who was on the beach with her three young children at Fenit had other ideas on which was the better beach.
“It’s a small area that has better facilities, for babies to three year olds. It’s much easier to bring them here, there’s also a cafe which is very handy, Fenit is always my first choice,” she said.
“Sunday, Monday and Tuesday have been very good, it’s all got to do with weather obviously,” said Laura Kelliher who runs the mobile shop in Banna’s carpark.
A shop has been run on the site by the same family for over 40 years. For Laura, who’s father and grandfather worked there in years previous, this will be her 22nd summer working at the shop.
“Once the sun comes out, the beach is the place to go,” Laura said.
Scroll down for Pictures…
Having a great time excavating on Fenit beach was Siun Mulhall-Crowley. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorHaving fun on Fenit beach were, from left front row: Fay Fitzmaurice, Isla Fitzmaurice, Daniel Fitzmaurice. At back; Claire Fitzmaurice and Laura Anlcaena. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Taking in the sun on Banna Beach were, from left: Sarah Sheehan, Abbey Egan and Niamh O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Out on sunny Banna Strand were, from left: Tina Holland and Calum McMahon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Taking a stroll on Banna Strand yesterday were Fidelma Cremin and Brian Marau. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorOn the beach at Banna were, from left front row: Darlene Lacey, Kate Callaghan, Fay Cox, Sophie Carey, Back Row: Timmy Ryle, Eddie Mooney and Oscar White. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Enjoying the beautiful sunshine on Banna Beach yesterday were, from left: Carla Hanafin, Rachel Moloney, Tracy O’Keeffe. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.On the beach at Banna were from left: Miriam Leen and Danielle McLoughlin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Enjoying the sun on Banna Strand were, from left: Sarah O’Brien, Victoria Murphy, Chloe Lonergan, Kimberly Harris, Erica McGuinness, Alana O’Sullivan and Emma Connolly. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.About to hit the beach yesterday at Banna were, from left: Charlotte Murphy, Emma O’Carroll, Avril Fitzgerald, Michaela Chester. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.On their way to Banna Beach were from left: Ciaran Murray, Sean Donnellan, Padraig Donnellan, Austin Clifford. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Soaking up the sun on Banna Strand yesterday were, from left: Claire McCarthy, Neil Burke and Conor McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Playing ball on Banna Beach were, from left: Dylan Ronan, Jesse Stafford-Lacey, Thomas Lenihan, Jack Kelliher, John Dillane. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Taking a walk down Fenit peer yesterday were Donagh Hourihane and Mary Francis Raleigh. By Gavin O’Connor.Casting off on Fenit pier were from left: Paidi O’Connor and Micheal Flynn. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
