A NEW Marine National Park is to be established in Kerry.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD along with Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell TD, have today confirmed the establishment of Ireland’s first Marine National Park – Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí.
The new Páirc, which is centred around Corca Dhuibhne, will unite some of Europe’s most ecologically valuable places in celebration of nature across 70,000 acres of lands and seas.
Continued below…
.
It brings together new acquisitions by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, such as the Conor Pass, the Owenmore River catchment, lands at Mount Brandon and the sand dune system at Inch Peninsula, along with sites already under State ownership, such as the limestone reefs of Kerry Head Shoals and the waters around the Blasket Islands.
The Ministers and local Minister for Education Norma Foley, announced that the Páirc’s heritage legacy would be further enhanced by the inclusion of lands on the Great Blasket Island, the globally significant UNESCO World Heritage property of Sceilg Mhichíl, and Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach, which are managed by the OPW.
Further collaborations with BirdWatch Ireland, who manage Little Skellig and Puffin Island, and with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who manage An Tiaracht Nature Reserve, ensure that these internationally important sites for seabirds are also an integral part of the Páirc.
Speaking at the launch in An Daingean, Minister Noonan said: “With the iconic Conor Pass as the gateway, Ireland’s first Marine National Park brings mountains, blanket bog, heaths, rivers, coastal dunes, limestone reefs, sea cliffs and some of the wildest land and seascapes in the country together in celebration of nature.
“Alongside its seven sister parks, Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí will be a flagship for the protection and restoration of these incredible places and the globally important array of wildlife that they are home to. The Páirc will also honour the island and coastal communities who live alongside it by ensuring that their unique tapestry of cultural and natural heritage is central to the future story of this special place.”
Minister O’Brien said: “Bringing the Conor Pass and the lands at Inch into public ownership has enabled the creation of a wonderful Marine National Park, the first in Ireland’s history. This was a key commitment in the Programme for Government and today’s announcement delivers that commitment. It has been many years in gestation, and made possible through the Government’s renewed support of National Parks and Wildlife Service in recent years. I congratulate the NPWS on realising a national vision of global importance, and thank the Office of Public Works, the Commissioners of Irish Lights and all those who will have such an important role to play in the management of these sites that together form Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí.”
Minister O’Donnell said: “As Minister for the Office of Public Works, I am delighted to confirm that the OPW-managed properties at Sceilig Mhichíl, An Blascaod Mór and Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach are integral to Páirc Náisiunta na Mara, Ciarraí. They will continue to be managed by OPW. Sceilg Mhichíl, is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Properties in Ireland and the most spectacularly situated of all Early Medieval island monastic sites. Together with An Blascaod Mór and Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach, the three sites combine to bring an epochal spirituality and sense of our cultural history into a Páirc of immense environmental and cultural significance.”
Commenting on the announcement Local Minister and Kerry TD Norma Foley said: “I am delighted that the astounding beauty of my home county and her pristine seas has been recognised today by the creation of a second National Park in Kerry; Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí. This will be an incredible amenity. It is a transformative moment for West Kerry and the entire county, allowing us to showcase the very best of our natural environment locally, nationally and internationally.”
Danielle O’Leary bagged eight points as Kerry had a 15-point victory over Tipperary at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney in Round 1 of the TG4 Munster Senior Championship.
O’Leary was simply unstoppable, notching five points in the first half, as Tipperary had no answer to her pace and finishing power.
A below-par opening period from both sides saw Kerry take a flattering 1-5 to 0-4 lead in at the short whistle, with the five-point haul from O’Leary a major highlight.
Continued below…
.
The home side’s passes weren’t going to hand in the opening exchanges but after a series of turnovers they finally got off the mark in the sixth minute with the brilliant O’Leary popping over after an assist from hard-working skipper Niamh Carmody.
O’Leary slotted her second a minute later before Aishling Moloney hit a monster effort from 40 metres to get Tipperary’s first score.
Katie Brosnan fed the rampant O’Leary for her 3rd on the quarter hour mark but Emma Morrissey, a very effective performer on the wing hit a fine individual effort to bring Tipperary to with a single score.
Kerry hit two on the trot with O’Leary once again providing the finishes, and with Deirdre Kearney dominating at the back the game appeared to be going to script for the hot favourites.
Continued below…
.
Tipperary were resilient and hit back through an Aishling Moloney free and Emma Morrissey with her second from play and with a minute left in the opening half Kerry led by 0-5 to 0-4.
There was one last act to the half though and as Tipperary attempted to build from the back, goalkeeper Lauren Fitzpatrick was turned over in the middle of the field by Niamh Carmody.
The Kerry captain fed Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, and with an empty goal the Kerry sharpshooter shot to the net from 25 metres to see Kerry take a 1-5 to 0-4 lead into the dressing room.
Ciara O’Brien, O’Leary, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh from a poor kick out, Carmody with her deserved first, and O’Leary with a fine individual effort for her seventh, pushed Kerry into a 1-10 to 0-4 lead before Anna Rose Kennedy got one back for Tipperary in the 50th minute.
Substitutes Lorraine Scanlon, Aoife Dillane and Niamh Ní Chonchúir slotted points before another sub Emma Dineen struck for a goal to emphasise the strength of the Kerry bench.
The final score of the game fittingly fell to Danielle O’Leary and the Kerry victory was complete.
Scorers-Kerry: D O’Leary 0-8, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 1-1, E Dineen 1-0, N Carmody, C O’Brien, L Scanlon, A Dillane & N Ní Chonchúir 0-1 each.
Tipperary: E Morrissey 0-2, A Moloney 0-2 (1f), A.R. Kennedy 0-1.
Kerry: M.E. Bolger; C Murphy, E Lynch, C O’Brien; A O’Connell, K Cronin, C Lynch; M O’Connell, D Kearney; A Galvin, N Carmody, A Harrington; K Brosnan, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh, D O’Leary. Subs: H O’Donoghue for K Brosnan 38, N Ní Chonchúir for C O’Brien 42, E Dineen for A Harrington 45, L Scanlon for A Galvin 48, A Dillane for C Murphy 52.
Tipperary: L Fitzpatrick; E Kelly, L Spillane, E Cronin; C O’Dwyer, M Curley, S English; L Morrissey, A.R. Kennedy; E Morrissey, A McGuigan, A Moloney; N Towey, K Downey, E McCarthy. Subs: C English for N Towey 38, S Ryan for E McCarthy 56, H Spillane for K Downey 58, A Downey for A Moloney 60.
.Looking forward to the Kerry Choral Union Spring Concert in aid of Recovery Haven were Jacinta Bradley, Recovery Haven, Elizabeth O’Halloran of Kerry Choral Union, Dermot Crowley of Recovery Haven and Hilla Jylhänkangas of Kerry Choral Union. Photo by Dermot Crean
KERRY Choral Union will host their much-anticipated Spring Concert at St Brendan’s Church, Tralee tonight (Sunday) at 7.30pm.
The wonderful concert of choral music will be conducted by Sharon Reidy and is being organised, once again, to raise vital funds for cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry.
As in previous years, concert goers can look forward to a stunning evening of songs from the choral union’s extensive repertoire.
Continued below…
.
“We are honoured to once again team up with Kerry Choral Union for what promises to be another very speical evening of song,” said Recovery Haven Kerry marketing officer, Marisa Reidy.
“This concert has always been a hugely popular event on our fundraising calendar and we cannot wait for the night”.
A LOCAL Green Party representative has expressed his deep concern at the recent aggression towards elected representatives.
Anluan Dunne, who is a candidate for the party in the upcoming local elections in the Tralee area, issued a statement after masked men went to the home of Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman to protest against immigration on Thursday evening.
“The increasing targeted aggression towards elected representatives is extremely concerning,” said Anluan Dunne.
Continued below…
.
“To see masked men attack my Green Party colleague, Roderic O’Gorman’s house in this way is shocking and I condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.”
“We have seen a continual increase in harassment and intimidation of politicians and representatives. This must be addressed and stopped. As someone who is running for election in Kerry, I find this deteriorating situation troubling both for myself and my family. No one doing their job should be treated in this manner.”
“I am also deeply concerned at reports of a lack of action from Gardaí in tackling what is clearly antisocial behaviour and a potential breach of the peace. We need thuggery of this sort addressed swiftly and comprehensively,” he said.
David Moriarty reports on the game last night at Mounthawk Park where Kerry FC’s unbeaten run came to an end…
KERRY FC 1-2 ATHLONE TOWN
On the hunt for nine games unbeaten, Kerry FC were back at home on Friday night as they took on Athlone Town for the first time this season at Mounthawk Park.
The only game between the two this season was the beginning of last month when the sides drew one all with goals from Dylan Hand and a screamer from Daniel Okwute. Kerry FC’s last home game was a historic one as the side recorded their first-ever League of Ireland home win beating Longford Town 3-0.
Last week they drew 0-0 away to Treaty United in a game where they easily could have won with most chances in the second half coming the way of the Kingdom but unfortunately nothing was landed, and it was a game Kerry felt annoyed not to be coming away with all three points.
Continued below…
.
Athlone Town came into the game without an away win this season so they wanted to put that right this week.
A win at home last weekend against Finn Harps put the Town in good spirits as they made the trip down to Tralee. Nathan Gleeson returned to the matchday squad on Friday after a lengthy spell on the side-lines.
Sean McGrath also returned to the starting eleven after missing last week’s Treaty United game. He returned after his man of the match performance in that game against Longford Town.
Kerry FC started the game very well and tested Athlone keeper Enda Minogue on a couple of occasions in the opening six minutes.
Kennedy Amechi got on the end of a long ball over the top and dinked it over Minogue before the linesman put his flag up. Just four minutes later Ryan Kelliher created a great chance for himself as he controlled the ball fantastically with a couple of flicks over the oncoming defence.
He took on a half volley twenty-two yards from goal, but Minogue got down well to claim the ball. The shot unfortunately was straight at the Athlone Town shot stopper, but nothing could be taken away from the sheer persistence and skill on show from Ryan to get Kerry their first big chance of the evening.
Enda Minogue was called into action again as he tipped a Sean McGrath shot over the crossbar and out for a corner.
Kerry FC fans feared it would be two great goalkeeping performances in a row against them and were desperate to see one of these chances hit the back of the net.
McGrath saw himself in space and aimed for the top right corner, but his great effort was well matched by Athlone’s number one.
Kerry FC, who were the better team in the opening half an hour, received their reward in the nineteenth minute when they were awarded a penalty for an Aaron Connolly handball inside the area.
The ball bobbled a couple of times inside the area and unluckily for Connolly made clear contact with his hand which Ian O’Keeffe had no hesitation in penalising.
Kennedy Amechi stepped up and calmly slotted the ball hole into the bottom left corner to give Kerry a well-deserved lead.
Kerry nearly doubled their lead three minutes later when Ryan Kelliher went on another great run which saw him get around the goalkeeper.
Unfortunately, the angle tightened too much, and he was only able to put the ball into the side netting. A real let off for Athlone who were feeling the oncoming and fast never-ending Kerry FC pressure.
Athlone started to get back into the game with ten or so minutes remaining in the half, but nothing was landing in dangerous areas for them.
They needed a slice of luck to break down the Kerry FC defence which they eventually got in the two remaining minutes of the opening forty-five when Ruben Ferreira drew the sides level.
A low cross into the box on the right side was unfortunately missed and not cleared by Samuel Aladesanusi who’s half clearance landed to the feet of Ferreira who was composed and buried the opportunity into the bottom left corner.
It was a real kick in the teeth for Kerry who would have much preferred to go in at half time leading, but that bit of luck was not with them in the evening’s proceeding.
Daire McCarthy nearly headed Kerry FC back in front a minute into the second half after a corner reached Andy Spain just outside the six-yard box who headed towards McCarthy but unfortunately McCarthy’s header from close range could not be directed on target.
Sean McGrath had another shot from distance to test the waters again with Minogue but this time it did not have enough on it to test him. Kerry FC took a back foot on the game from this time as Athlone really stepped up a gear to try and get themselves in front.
In the sixty-second minute the visitors did just that as Carl Mujaguzi scored an unbelievable acrobatic goal.
A corner was swung into the box, headed away from Sean O’Connell, and reached Mujaguzi who had no right to try the shot from there, but he did just that and bagged full reward for the pure audaciousness of the effort.
Mujaguzi was feeling confidence after the earlier goal and hit the post seventeen minutes later. He took the ball down with composure on the edge of the area before aiming for the left side of the goal.
Thankfully for Kerry it did not double the Athlone lead as it bounced back off the post and into the hands of Antonio Tuta.
Kerry had a few more free kicks in good areas but did not trouble Athlone in any way as the game finished with a 2-1 win for the away side. Kerry FC’s eight game unbeaten run was ended by an Athlone side who won their first away game of the season.
Kerry looked to lose steam at the start of the second half and was conveyed in the performance. A great run ended but a great chance to bounce back as they visit the Carlisle Grounds and Bray Wanderers next week.
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 15. KEVIN WILLIAMS, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 18. SAMUEL ALADESANUSI, 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 21. DAIRE MCCARTHY, 7. SEAN MCGRATH, 12. KENNEDY AMECHI (GOAL 19’ PEN), 11. DANIEL OKWUTE, 9. RYAN KELLIHER.
SUBS: AARON O’SULLIVAN, JACK KAVANAGH, ETHAN KOS, NATHAN GLEESON, STEVEN HEALY, CIAN BROSNAN, VICTOR UDEZE, GRAHAM O’REILLY, EVISON RRAMANI.
ATHLONE TOWN TEAM: 1. ENDA MINOGUE, 3. JARLATH JONES, 5. DANIEL MCKENNA, 7. RUBEN MANUEL OLIVERIA FERREIRA (GOAL ’43), 8. AARON CONNOLLY, 9. DEAN EBBE, 10. JAMAR CAMPION-HINDS, 12. CARL MUJAGUZI (GOAL ’62), 18. OISIN DUFFY (C), 22. BRIAN TORRE, MATTHEW LEAL.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Many companies in Ireland offer telephone services for both fixed line and mobile. Each of the providers offer different packages to consumers.
Before entering into a telephone contract, you are advised to think carefully about your needs and compare prices and plans.
ComReg’s price comparison tool allows you to compare mobile phone charges across all operators. It helps you to select the best mobile phone package for you, based on your individual usage.
What is a fixed line contract?
Fixed line is commonly known as your landline or home telephone. A fixed line means that your telephone (or the stand for a cordless telephone) is not wire free but is physically connected to a point on a wall in your home.
Many providers now offer fixed line services as part of a package (also known as a ‘bundle’) along with home internet, and sometimes TV.
Continued below…
.
What contracts are offered by mobile network providers?
Mobile network providers offer a range of plans (with or without a new phone) that includes a certain amount of calls to other mobiles or landlines, text messages and data (this allows you to use internet while not connected to WIFI).
There are 2 main plans that mobile phone providers offer:
Prepay: This is a pay-as-you-go option where you buy credit from various outlets such as shops, bank machines and online and top up your phone when you need to.
Some providers offer prepay options that include calls, texts and data. You don’t need to sign to a contract and are free to switch networks at any time.
Bill pay: This means that you get a monthly bill for the services you have used in the previous month and will pay a set price. The duration of the contract will usually be either month-to-month or 12 to 24 months.
If you go above your allowance of calls, texts and data you will have to pay extra. When you enter into a bill pay contract, your contract is with the mobile network provider.
Bill pay plans usually give you the option to either buy a phone outright or buy it (either free or at a significantly lower price) as part of a bundle. There is also the option of a SIM-only plan where you don’t need a new phone and simply sign up to a monthly bill pay contract for calls, texts and data.
What’s usually included in my plan?
This depends on the plan and provider but generally your plan includes:
• A certain amount of free national calls
• A certain amount of calls to particular networks
• An allowance for SMS (text message)
• An allowance for data usage (usually measured in gigabytes or GB)
Can the cost of my mobile or broadband package increase mid contract?
Many of the State’s leading telecom operators link the price of their mobile and broadband packages to inflation, with increases of 3 per cent plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation rolled out each year.
These increases are usually applied in April each year. The increases are outlined in the terms & condition of your contract and consequently are not considered to be a breach of contract by the provider.
Continued below…
.
What is roaming?
Roaming is using your mobile phone while abroad. EU regulations mean that mobile phone customers are charged the same price for calls, texts and data when travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA), which include all European Union countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You should be aware that you may still be charged roaming rates for international travel outside the EEA.
What is the impact of Brexit on roaming charges when travelling to UK?
Since 1 January 2021, you are no longer entitled to the same roaming rates under EU law when travelling to the UK.
You should contact your provider to check the up-to-date prices that apply and what mobile allowances apply when travelling in the UK. ComReg has more information about the impact of Brexit on mobile roaming.
What information should I get when I sign up to a contract?
Providers of fixed or mobile services must give you the following information in your contract:
• The name and address of the service provider
• Details of the service to be provided, the quality levels and the waiting periods for first-time connections.
• Details of the pricing and charges (tariffs)
• Maintenance service available and if any charges apply.
• The duration of the contract and how to renew or cancel it
• Your right to compensation or refund if service quality levels are not met.
• Details of the complaint handling procedure
When you sign up to a new contract, you can only be bound to the contract for an initial minimum period of 24 months (2 years) or less.
You can keep your existing landline or mobile phone number when switching to a new provider. Once the contract has been agreed, the number should be activated within a few hours.
Can I cancel my phone contract?
You should check the terms and conditions of your contract to find out what your cancellation rights are. You may have to pay a fee to cancel a contract. Your legal right to cancel the contract for free depends on whether you signed up over the phone, in person, or online.
If you signed up over the phone or online you can cancel the contract if you signed up less than 14 days ago over the phone or online.
This is called a ‘cooling-off’ period. If you have already used the service (for example, you made calls on a phone), you are likely to be charged for what you have used. If you are waiting for a good such as a mobile phone to be delivered, the cooling off period starts the day you receive it.
This is to allow you time to check if the phone is what you paid for. If you cancel outside of the cooling off period, you may be charged a penalty fee or have to pay off the rest of your contract. Check the terms and conditions of your contract.
However, you don’t have the legal right to a 14-day cooling-off period if you signed up in person, for example you met a salesperson and signed the contract in the shop premises.
Any costs and charges for cancelling your contract should be made clear in your contract and at the point of sale.
What should I consider if I am switching providers?
Before switching providers, you should check your previous bills to review how many minutes and texts you use and how much data you will need.
When comparing providers and plans, you should think about:
• Discount schemes
• Minimum contract period
• Penalties for ending the contract early
• Charges and fees (can include connection charges, monthly rental fees, call costs, disconnection and reconnection charges)
• Price options
• Number portability
For mobile contracts, also think about:
• Network coverage
• Roaming for travel abroad
ComReg’s price comparison tool allows you to compare mobile phone charges across all operators. It helps you to select the optimum mobile phone package, based on your individual usage.
Before you switch, you should contact your existing provider to check if any cancellation period or penalties apply. You will probably need your Universal Account Number (UAN) to switch. This is usually displayed on your bill, but if you can’t find it you should ask your existing provider.
Are calls to Non Geographic Numbers (NGNs) such as 1800 or 0818 more expensive?
Calls to 1800 numbers are free. Calls to 0818 numbers still cost the same as calls to landline numbers.
You can read more about changes to non-geographic numbers on the ComReg website or watch this video about the changes.
Further information
ComReg has detailed information on a range of topics about home and mobile phone contracts. The contact number is 01 804 9668 or email consumerline@comreg.ie
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has more advice about mobile phones contracts. Their number is 01 402 5555
• 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
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some films to enjoy on RTE and TG4 this Saturday…
Let’s start with a typical Saturday afternoon tale of daring do with The Guns of Navarone(Saturday 2.50pm RTE1).
In 1943, a small commando team is sent to destroy huge German guns on the Greek Island of Navarone in order to rescue Allied troops trapped on Kheros.
Led by British Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), the team includes American Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek resistance fighter Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and reluctant explosives expert Miller (David Niven).
Facing the usual impossible odds of this genre, the group have to battle stormy seas, daunting cliffs, personal enmities and the potential of internal betrayal.
Continued below…
.
One of my favourite cinematic biographies is Richard Attenborough’s multi-Oscar winning film (eight out of eleven nominations) and surprisingly historically accurate Gandhi(Saturday 3.35pm TG4).
Starring, and introducing to the big screen, Ben Kingsley as Mohandas K. Gandhi, it shows his rise from small town lawyer in South Africa to his role as a leader of India’s fight for independence and ambassador for non resistance peaceful protest.
Also starring Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, John Mills and Martin Sheen, this is a very long film, as it has to be to fit everything in, but is well worth the time and effort .
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(Saturday 7pm RTE1) is the Tim Burton version of Roald Dahl’s children’s story starring Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket, who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning a once in a lifetime tour of eccentric Willy Wonka’s (Johnny Depp) magical factory.
This is a lot closer to the macabre tone of the book rather than the Gene Wilder version, and Deep Roy has great fun playing all the Oompa Loompas, and a chilling reminder of what happens to misbehaving children.
Continued below…
.
I wonder do any readers remember the night Johnny Cash, June Carter and Kris Kristofferson gave a concert in the Brandon Hotel in 1996. It is certainly one of my favourite memories.
Walk The Line(Saturday 9.50pm TG4) stars Joaquin Phoenix as Cash, focusing on the Man in Black’s rise from a sad and traumatic upbringing, to touring with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis and his troubled descent into drink and drug addiction.
Reese Witherspoon gives an Oscar winning performance as June Carter, who helped and supported Cash to overcome his troubles.
Directed by James Mangold, who has vast experience across a range of genres, this is a superior film that is an honest and raw depiction aided by two supreme central performances who learnt to play the instruments as well as sing the songs themselves.
Racked with guilt over his involvement in the murder of a protestant police officer, Cal(Saturday 11.25 RTE2) ,played by John Lynch, is a young republican who turns his back on violence.
However, when he falls for an older widow, Marcella (Helen Mirren), life gets more complex when Cal realises she had been married to the policeman. Enjoy!
.A bird’s eye view of the MTU Kerry campus with the new STEM building in the foreground.
MTU has marked a significant milestone with the topping out of the new STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building taking place on Kerry North Campus.
The building is due for completion in summer 2025 and will provide new lecture theatres, classrooms, machinery workshops, halls and laboratory space when it opens.
It will also expand MTU’s portfolio of programmes and services and will play a vital role in achieving the vision of MTU, significantly enhancing the university’s number of STEM graduates.
Continued below…
.
The project is part of the Department of Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science’s Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme, which is also seeing the development of a new Learning Resource Centre on MTU’s Bishopstown Campus in Cork.
The new 8,913m² three-storey STEM building which was topped out on Tuesday 16th April will help MTU as it strives to deliver the STEM graduates of the future for the Southwest region and beyond.
These graduates will be skilled in areas from Pharmaceutical Science, Agricultural Science and Agricultural Engineering to Civil Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Wildlife Biology, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Nursing.
Programmes are offered at Apprenticeship level, Degree, Masters and PhD level together with a suite of lifelong learning and research opportunities.
Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Chair of MTU’s Governing Body, Mr Jimmy Deenihan said: “I’m delighted to see the STEM building coming along so well and reaching this milestone. It will be a great asset for our students and staff, but it will also benefit the entire South-West region with knock-on impacts in terms of learning and employment opportunities, research, and economic development. We are also progressing the business cases for the construction of a Learner Centre on our North Campus in Kerry and the expansion and renovation of Blocks D and A in Bishopstown. All of these developments point to a very bright future for MTU, our students, staff and surrounding communities.”
Ger Ronayne, Chief Executive Officer of JJ Rhatigan & Company, shared his thoughts on the progress at the topping out ceremony, saying: “We are pleased with how this project is moving along. We’re right on track for completion by the second quarter of 2025. This latest building marks a significant milestone in the Government’s higher education public-private partnership (PPP) programme and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our project team for their dedication and hard work, which are crucial to the successful delivery of this important facility for the students of MTU in Kerry.”
Commenting on this project milestone, MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack said: “The topping out of the new STEM building on our Kerry North campus marks an exciting step forward. At MTU, our students are at the heart of our university and I’m sure that the new STEM building will greatly improve their university experience. When it opens next year, the new building will be a state-of-the-art facility for our students and staff and will further enhance MTU’s local, national and international reputation as a truly great, globally competitive university.”
THE Kerry ladies football team are back in action this Saturday as they begin their Munster Championship campaign with a home tie.
They’ll face Tipperary in Fitzgerald Stadium in the opening game (throw-in 1.45pm) of a double header with the men facing Cork later that afternoon. Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here.
MENTAL health advocate Philip Kissane from Killarney has nominated Kerry Mental Health Association as the benefitting charity when he takes part in the 200km Kerry Way Ultra Marathon in September.
The event will be staged along the trails and mountains of the scenic Kerry Way over two consecutive days and through the night, the equivalent of 5 marathons.
All funds raised will go directly to Kerry Mental Health Association who help people in Kerry with mental health challenges, their families and carers. To donate visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/PhilipKissane11.
Continued below…
.
Philip Kissane, the Construction Site Manager for Sisk at the new Killarney Community Hospital, said; “It’s hugely important to look after your mental health and the workforce around you as well. It’s being conscious [that] it’s an ongoing thing and there’s a lot of stigma around it.
“I myself am an ambassador for mental health within Sisk. We have an ‘I am here’ community which has ambassadors and tribesmen, so that allows you to look out for anyone that may be in trouble with their mental health on site.”
The Kerry Way Ultra is conducted along The Kerry Way trail with the athletes running over mountain passes, green trails, boggy ground, wire-covered sleepers, country roads and a minimum of main road.
It will take place on Friday 6th into Saturday 7th September with the start/finish line located at Killarney Racecourse.
FANS travelling by car to Killarney for the Munster championship games involving the Kerry men’s and ladies teams on Saturday are being advised to go early, as there will be less parking facilities available than usual.
Kerry against Cork in Fitzgerald Stadium always draws a big crowd but this year, because of the bad weather, some car parks in fields in the town area are not accessible.
Parking will only be available in public car parks including New Street, Glebe, Fair Hill, Rock Road and High Street. Fans are asked to consider car-pooling where possible. Traffic delays can be expected on routes into the town from early afternoon.
Meanwhile, tickets for the games can be purchased on Ticketmaster by clicking here.
.Áine Newsome’s artwork which won a Special Merit Award in the Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
TWO students from Tralee schools have won top prizes in this year’s 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
Siqi Yao (age 16), a pupil at Presentation Secondary School, Tralee and Áine Newsome (15), from Mercy Mountawk Secondary School were both were winners of Special Merit Awards for artworks that Final Adjudicator, Gary Granville, Professor Emeritus of Education at the National College of Art and Design, said ‘demonstrated high levels of skill and imagination’.
Continued below…
.Siqi Yao’s artwork which won a Special Merit Award in the Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.
This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Kerry and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.
.Anne Walsh, Grainne O’Carroll, John Walsh and Enda Gee at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was an incredible turnout at The Klub at Kerins O’Rahillys on Thursday night for a table quiz in aid of a local school’s campaign to buy a new bus.
St Ita’s and St Joseph’s school started the campaign to raise funds for a new bus for transporting children on school trips and activities so Tralee Lions Club came onboard to help organise the fundraiser.
The response was amazing and the club was packed last night with 33 tables taking part in the quiz, spread between The Klub bar and the function room downstairs and many raffle tickets were sold for a host of spot prizes donated by local businesses.
Continued below…
.
“We’re absolutely delighted. It’s one of the best turnouts we’ve had for a quiz in a many a year,” said President of Tralee Lions Club, John Hallinan.
“We particularly want to thank the ladies in St Ita’s and St Joseph’s who have put in tremendous work in gathering spot prizes. We are hopeful now that they will reach their target of €25,000 for their bus by June,” added John. Scroll down for photos…
Danny Holmes, Tiana Ward and Adele Kelliher from Holmes Veterinary at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Pauline Evans, Sinead Joy and Kay Kerins at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanLinda Hennessy, Louise Brosnan, Suzie Browne, Noreen Flaherty, Rita O’Connor and Brenda O’Regan at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Anne Marie O’Leary, Stephanie Greenan, William Costello, Claire Reidy and Rebecca Fels at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanDaniel Murphy, Ciaran Sheehan and John McKenna at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Jenna O’Regan, Breda O’Regan, Maureen Guerin and Mary O’Connor at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanLouise Bennett, Mébh Moloney and Pauline Campion buying raffle tickets at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dr Tim Horgan, Paul Rusk, Katherine Ryan and Joe McMahon at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanSean and Una Cooke, Kathleen Murphy and Fiona and Mike Ryle at the table quiz supported by Tralee Lions Club in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School bus campaign at Kerins O’Rahilllys Club on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean..
The most recent fortnightly club lotto draw took place on Monday, April 15th at the club grounds. There was no jackpot or match 3 winner on this occasion. The numbers drawn were 2, 21, 28 and the bonus ball was 1.
Lucky Dip Winners were as follows:
€50 John Foley
€50 Daire Cleary, Killorglin
€25 Joan O’Shea, Kilderry
€25 Jamie O’Sullivan, Brackhill
€25 Michael Joseph Quirke, Milltown
€25 Kieran Woods, Callinafercy
Our next club lotto draw is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 29th at 19:30pm in the Clubhouse where the jackpot will be €13,000. Get your draw tickets or renew your yearly tickets online on Clubforce or get your tickets for the next draw from all the usual local outlets. Mile búiochas do gach duine for playing Milltown/Castlemaine Clubs Fortnightly Fundraiser, the money raised is vital to the day to day running of our club and your support is sincerely appreciated.
Special General Club Meeting: Notice
A chara,
A Special General Meeting of the Milltown/Castlemaine Club will be held on Friday 26th April 2024, in Nagle Rice Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm.
This meeting is called pursuant to Rule 8.7 Appendix 4, Club Constitution. Official Guide 2024.
The sole item on the agenda will be the following:
Consideration of proposal agreed by Kerry County Board GAA (acting on behalf of the Milltown/Castlemaine GAA Club) and Representatives acting on behalf of local groups/associations within the Castlemaine Community.
Said proposal agrees to the disposal of any interest the Club may have on lands at Meanus, Castlemaine (Registered on folio KY 24138 & known as the ‘Sports field’) to a Company Limited by Guarantee whose directors shall consist of representatives of local groups including Milltown/Castlemaine GAA Club.
Please see below Rules 9.1 & 6.2 Appendix 4, Club Constitution. Official Guide 2024 which governs voting at Club Special General Meetings.
VOTING
9.1 Only Full Members, whose membership fees are paid up to date in accordance with article 6.2, and who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution, Rules or the Official Guide and Codes, shall be eligible to vote at a General Meeting. The onus shall be on the member to prove that the member has paid their subscription.
6.2 The determined Annual Subscription shall be payable on election and thereafter annually, in advance of the date and in the manner decided by the Executive Committee. The date set shall be on a date on or before March 31st each year.
Members must be over 18 to vote.
As this is a very important decision for the Club, I would encourage all Members to attend.
Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others: Returns for the 2024 Season!
Milltown-Castlemaine Gaelic 4 mothers and others are back again! We are hosting two sample training sessions for anyone interested in joining. One was held on Monday, April 15th and the second sample training session will be on next Monday, April 22nd from 8:00pm – 9:00pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. If you want to play football, get fit, learn new skills & do it all in a fun relaxed environment, then this is the group for you! Please share this update with anyone you think would be interested. For more information message our Club Facebook page or WhatsApp Caitlin at 0872471416.
We look forward to seeing you on the pitch!
Kerry Petroleum Senior Club Football Championship: Group Stage Draw
The draw has been made for the 2024 Kerry Petroleum Senior Club Football Championship.
We have been paired with Dingle, Na Gaeil and Dr Crokes.
Our first fixture will be against Na Gaeil. Dates, times and venues to be confirmed in due course.
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 1, Round 4 Fixture
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Senior ‘A’ side are back in action this weekend for Round 4 of the Credit Union County Senior Football League against Kerins O’Rahillys on Sunday, April 21st at 3:00pm in Healy Park, Ballyrickard, Tralee. All support is welcome.
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 6B, Round 1 Backgame Result and Round 4 Fixture
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Senior ‘B’ side welcomed Dr. Crokes ‘C’ on Sunday afternoon to the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown for a Round 1 backgame in the Credit Union County Senior Football League and they picked up their second win of the campaign following a 2-09 to 1-10 victory. A great win by the squad so well done to all involved.
Round 4 will take place on Sunday, April 21st when Milltown/Castlemaine travel away to take on St. Michaels at 1:00pm in Foilmore. All support is welcome for the players and management.
County Senior Football Development League: Division 1, Round 2 Result
Milltown/Castlemaine ‘C’ were away to Rathmore ‘C’ last Friday evening in Round 2 of the County Senior Football Development League. After a high scoring contest between the two teams, it was the home side who emerged victorious on a final score of 4-14 to 1-15. Hard luck to the players and management.
Kellihers Toyota Central Region Division 3, Round 1 Result and Round 2 Fixture: Minors (U17s)
Milltown/Castlemaine’s Minor side (U17s) got their Kellihers Toyota Central Region campaign underway on Monday evening at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Milltown. Following a very enjoyable game of football, it was Milltown/Castlemaine who took home the victory on a final score of 3-09 to 2-06. Well done to the players and management.
Round 2 will take place on Monday, April 22nd when Milltown/Castlemaine take on St. Michaels Foilmore at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown with a throw-in time of 7:00pm. All support is welcome.
Kerry will meet Cork in the Munster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final on Saturday, April 20th at 4:00pm in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney following Cork’s Quarter-Final victory against Limerick last weekend.
All involved in Milltown/Castlemaine GAA would like to send the very best of luck to the squad and management and especially to our own clubman Cillian Burke as he bids to make his first championship appearance for the Kerry Senior Footballers. We would encourage all our club members to get behind Cillian at the weekend in Killarney.
Match tickets are on sale online at the following link:
https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/munstersfc
EirGrid GAA Football U20 Munster Championship: Round 1 and 2 Results and Semi-Final Fixture
Congratulations to the Kerry U20 squad and management who have had two victories over the past week in the Munster Championship. On Wednesday last they travelled to Quilty where they defeated Clare 1-13 to 0-05 and they backed that up tonight at Pairc Ui Chaoimh with a 1-12 to 0-11 win against Cork.
Kerry will now meet Tipperary next week whilst Cork will meet Clare with the winners on either side meeting each other in the Munster Final in two weeks time.
U12 Girls: Go Games Update
A hearty performance by our Under 12 girls in the second game of their Go Game series against Cordal LGFA on Tuesday evening at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. An entertaining game for the supporters on the sidelines with some excellent football & team work on display by both sides. Well done to both teams, and thank you to the coaches and supporters as always for your support.
U7 Boys:
Milltown/Castlemaine’s U7 Boys are back training at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown on a weekly basis. Trainings take place at the moment on Saturday evening’s at 5:00pm. For more information please contact Colin McKenna on 087-0687653.
GAA 4 All:
Milltown/Castlemaine’s GAA 4 All will be returning on Wednesday 17th April at 5:45pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. For more information please contact Danny McClure on 087-6536631.
MC Minis:
Training commenced on Saturday 6th April in the Nagle Rice Community Centre at 9:30am and will continue weekly at the same time. This age group would be for boys born in 2019 and 2020 (Parent/Guardian required to be in attendance to assist) and for girls born in 2018, 2019 or 2020 (Parent/Guardian required to be in attendance to assist). For more information please contact Caitlyn Corkery on 087-2471416.
U8 Girls:
Training has already commenced for the 2024 season on Saturday mornings at 9:15am at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for girls born in 2016 and 2017. For more information please contact Derry O’Sullivan on 087-7550401.
U9 Boys:
Training has already commenced for the 2024 season on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:15pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for boys born in 2015 and 2016. For more information please contact Garry Murphy on 087-9432746.
Well done to our U9 Boys who had 3 teams out and played some brilliant football against Kerins O Rahillys on Wednesday evening at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Milltown. Keep up the brilliant work 👏👏👏👏
U10 Girls:
Training has already commenced and takes place on Monday evening’s at 6:00pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for girls born in 2014 and 2015. For more information please contact Tommy Cronin on 087-1227099.
U11 Boys: Training and Go Games County League Update
Training has already commenced for the season and takes place on Monday and Thursday evening’s at 6:10pm at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. This age group is for boys born in 2013 and 2014. For more information please contact Liam Doherty on 086-0413593.
Our U11 footballers kicked off their Go-Games County League programme on Thursday night with two excellent games against very good Laune Rangers GAA teams at Paddy Burke Memorial Park.
In what were challenging conditions for both teams, the boys played some tremendous football, playing great as a team, with excellent scores taken.
We would like to thank the parents for always supporting the boys, embracing the ‘Silent Sideline’ concept and bringing them to training and matches during the busy season.
We would also like to thank Laune Rangers GAA for travelling and participating in such great games.
Finally, we would like to thank the two referees, Adam & Linus, without whom there would be no games.
Our next game is against Na Gaeil, on Thursday evening, April 18th (TOMORROW) @ 18:30, at home in Paddy Burke Memorial Park. Training as usual, on Monday at 18:10. All support would be most welcome tomorrow evening for the match.
U13 Boys:
Training and matches have commenced for the 2024 season for both the Green and White teams. For more information or if you are new to the area and would like to join please contact Haulie Clifford on 087-6932126.
U13 Boys: County League Round 4 Results
Milltown/Castlemaine’s U13 Boys Green team came up against against Austin Stacks on Monday night at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Milltown and had a brilliant win on a score of 2-8 to 1-8 after a very tight encounter between two evenly matched sides. The White team were also in action against The Rockies but they went down to the visitors on a final score of 3-13 to 4-02.
U14 Girls: Update
A busy day for the female members of our club on Sunday evening with our Under 14s away to Glenflesk in Barradubh in a challenge match. A strong team performance, showing how much these young ladies have improved so far in 2024, a special mention to our sponsor Clendennen Electrical Services for our new set of jerseys.
Thank you to Glenflesk for the competitive game.
We look forward to beginning our campaign at home to Currow next weekend.
Senior Ladies: Donal Curtin Cup Result
A proud day for our club on Sunday afternoon fielding the first competitive LGFA side in the Dónal Curtin Cup. A hearty & brave performance by our ladies, in poor conditions against Currow. As a club we couldn’t be prouder to see these ladies don the club colours and leave it all on the field. 🇳🇬
Against a strong wind in the first half, we held the majority of possession but were unfortunate in our efforts to convert, hitting the crossbar twice in quick succession, with us trailing at the break.
It was Currow who came out of the blocks in second half stronger with Tanya Joy stopping a rocket of a shot soon into second half, our girls rallied and soon took advantage of the strong wind, with some well taken points by Paige O’ Connor, Eileen Mangan, & Nicola Kerins with Tina Galvin finding the net with a move that could only be described as straight off the training ground.
Unfortunately it was not our day, but we wish to thank Currow for a competitive game and onwards and upwards for these ladies in 2024. Thank you to Linus, and all the supporters who travelled for the game.
Thank you to our sponsor South West Social
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 1
Round 1 – Glenflesk (Home on Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00pm)
Round 2 – Ballymacelligott (Neutral on Saturday, March 30th at 5:00pm in Caherslee, Tralee)
Round 3 – Laune Rangers (Home on Sunday, April 7th at 2:00pm in the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown)
Round 4 – Kerins O’Rahillys (Away on Sunday, April 21st at 3:00pm in Healy Park, Ballyrickard)
Round 5 – Killarney Legion (Home)
Round 6 – Kilcummin (Away)
Round 7 – Rathmore (Away)
Round 8 – Spa Killarney (Home)
Round 9 – Dingle (Away)
Round 10 – Dr. Crokes (Home)
Round 11 – An Ghaeltacht (Away)
Credit Union County Senior Football League: Division 6B
Round 1 – Dr. Crokes ‘C’ (Home on Sunday, April 14th at 2:00pm – Rescheduled Fixture This Weekend)
Round 2 – Beaufort ‘B’ (Away on Sunday, March 31st at 2:00pm, Finished a draw)
Round 3 – Kenmare Shamrocks ‘B’ (Home on Saturday, April 6th at 6:30pm, Won the match)
Round 4 – St. Michaels/Foilmore ‘B’ (Away on Sunday, April 21st at 1:00pm in Foilmore)
Round 5 – John Mitchels ‘B’ (Away)
Round 6 – Spa Killarney ‘B’ (Home)
Round 7 – Ballymacelligott ‘B’ (Away)
County Senior Football Development League:
Group 1:
Austin Stacks ‘C’
Beaufort ‘C’
Fossa ‘C’
Laune Rangers ‘C’
Milltown/Castlemaine ‘C’
Rathmore ‘C’
All Welcome To Join In:
Milltown/Castlemaine GAA are continuously looking for help within our club and at this time of year we would like to invite more coaches to come on board for the 2024 season. Parents’ involvement in their child’s sport increases the likelihood that they play sport and enjoy involvement for life. Don’t just drop and go, be a part of their journey. You may be able to help coach, hand out bibs or organise a social outing for the team. You may be able to keep track of any information that the coach needs. If you are interested in any voluntary role within the club just send us a message on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter/X) or text Coaching Officer Ian Twiss on 0872521053.
Milltown Bowling Club:
New Year, New hobby.
Want to try something new and fun then come along to Milltown Nagle Rice community centre and have a go at short mat bowls.
All you need is just a pair of comfortable shoes for two hours of gently rolling bowls along a 1.8 meter wide x 12 meter long mat.
A timber block is placed midway along the mat and the aim of the game is to roll a bowl along the mat, avoiding the block and touching a yellow ball called the “Jack” at the opposite end.
A wooden fender is placed at both ends to keep the bowls from rolling off the mat end.
Nearest bowl to the Jack after 9 ends scores, the more of your bowls closer than your opponent the more you score.
All training and guidance will be provided along with the use of club bowls to get you started.
Once you get going then we have league and cup competitions, friendly individual and group matches along with the opportunity to play other clubs within Kerry.
Sounds simple!!!
Well the only way to find out is to come along and have a go.
First night is free and it’s only a fiver then per night for two hours of fun and learning to play one of the fastest growing indoor sports for all age groups in Ireland.
Milltown bowls club looks forward to seeing you on Tuesday and Friday nights at 8pm.
Milltown Tidy Towns: Volunteers Needed
Join Milltown Tidy Towns – We need your help. Meeting every Thursday at 6.30pm at The Old Milltown Community Hall. This is an opportunity for local businesses, families and anyone with an interest in creating “a sense of place” in Milltown. All welcome, no experience required. Please call Therese on 089-4767279 for further information or log onto Milltown Tidy Towns Facebook page.
Our clothing recycling collection is still happening so we urge you to clean out your wardrobes of all unwanted clothes, sheets, blankets, towels, curtains, shoes etc and drop them to the Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Milltown.
This is a wonderful way of doing your bit for the environment and raising much needed funds for our club at the same time.
Club Merchandise:
Milltown/Castlemaine GAA club gear and merchandise is now available to buy online from the Club Shop.
The Club Shop contains details of the large amount of branded Milltown-Castlemaine & Kerry stock we have available within the club, for immediate delivery, please use the link to check stock levels and sizes.
https://milltowncastlestore.sumupstore.com/
Items for the Club Notes
If you have any items for inclusion in the weekly notes, then please contact the club’s PRO Dara O’Connor on 086 268 8674 before 20:00 on Sundays.
Team Updates
For anyone New to the Area, who would like to get involved with the club, please contact Ian Twiss on 087 252 1053.
Team Enquiries
If you want to join your local club, one of the fastest growing clubs in the county, please contact Ian Twiss on 087 252 1053.
General Enquiries
For any other queries, please send an email to our Secretary or Chairperson at the following addresses:
secretary.milltowncastlemaine.kerry@gaa.ie
or
chairperson.milltowncastlemaine.kerry@gaa.ie
For emergencies, please call 087 409 3530 (Club Mobile Phone).
.Lucy Grattan, Ema Vinarcikova and Arie O’Shea from Mercy Mounthawk are to compete in the All-Ireland Schools Golf Final later this month.
THREE Mercy Mounthawk girls have qualified for the All-Ireland Schools Golf Final for the second year in a row.
Lucy Grattan, who is fourth year, third year student Arie O’Shea and Ema Vinarcikova, who is in second year, will head to Milltown Golf Club, Dublin on Monday, April 29 for the event having qualified at Newcastle West Golf Club in the provincial competition.
Lucy has relished the challenge of learning golf and spends hours practicing in Tralee Golf Club each week. She started playing the game when she was nine years of age and her greatest achievement to date is being chosen by Golf Ireland to go to the Darren Clarke School of Golf in the Bahamas this January.
Continued below…
.
Ema began her golfing career as a seven year old as she tried out golf after watching the game on TV and her Dad has driven her up and down the country participating in various golf competitions since.
Ema’s all round game is excellent with a special emphasis on her driving prowess. She is 14 years old and would love to get a scholarship to the States and turn pro.
Arie started golfing when she was 12 years old as her mom began the ‘get into golf’ programme in Tralee Golf Club and brought her along.
Her greatest achievement was last year, cutting her handicap by 12 shots in one summer as well as representing her school in the All Ireland junior golf competition last year. She loves meeting new people and making friends through golf.
This trio of talented individuals will be competing against schools from the other provinces and are hoping to capture this much sought after prize in the Senior Girls section.
Principal John O’Rourke is delighted that the girls have achieved such success and is in admiration of the dedication and hard work that has gone into their individual sport.
He wishes them well in this prestigious competition and hopefully they can bring home the title.
Guidance Counsellor Billy Ryle on Minister Foley’s announcement yesterday which sees uncertainty end for Leaving Cert candidates as marking process and results date are revealed…
The uncertainty about the marking of the 2024 Leaving Cert exams was ended on Wednesday morning when Minister Norma Foley announced that, once again this year, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) will apply a post-marking adjustment after the marking process in the Leaving Cert exams has been completed.
This will be done to ensure that the overall results are, on average, no lower than they were last year. It also means that Leaving Cert results will again be about 7% higher than they were in 2019, the last year of standard marking.
There was a school of thought in some educational circles that there might be a gradual reduction of grades’ inflation this year as a first step in returning to normal marking based on candidates’ actual performance in the exam itself.
Continued below…
.
That’s not going to happen this year but, at least, the candidates now know where they stand and can get on with preparing for the fast-approaching June written papers.
Leaving Cert exam results have been maintained at very high grade levels for the past four years due to calculated or accredited grades or, in 2022 and 2023, the application of a post-marking adjustment.
This latter step requires analysing the marks achieved in the exams and then making an adjustment to those marks. Now that minister Foley has confirmed that the 2024 grades will be subjected to the same level of inflation as last year, the inevitable consequence is that points requirements for CAO courses will be in line with last year’s levels.
Minister Foley also confirmed that the gradual return to normal Leaving Cert outcomes will begin in 2025. It’s expected that grades’ inflation which is currently running at 7% will be reduced to 5.5% in 2025 and incrementally phased out in the subsequent years.
If a reduction of 1.5% per annum is applied to Leaving Cert exam marks, it will be 2029 before the results are based solely on candidates’ performance in the exam.
So, it could take up to ten years to return to normality after the upheaval caused in the lives of exam candidates by Covid-19.
Continued below…
.
Whatever system is used to reduce grades’ inflation and however long it takes to do so must prioritise the wellbeing and mental health of the young people concerned.
However, Leaving Cert exam marking must be restored to normal levels as the current grades inflation and high CAO points requirements are causing a great deal of unnecessary distress.
136,300 candidates have applied to take the certificate exams this year, a slight increase on the 134,800 candidates who had applied at the same time last year.
Of the total, 62,700 are entered to sit Leaving Cert Established or Leaving Cert Applied exams. The remaining 73,600 will sit for the Junior Cycle exams.
Just about seven weeks remain before the state exams get underway on Wednesday, 5th June. The Leaving Cert exams, the Junior Cycle exams and the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) exams will run until Tuesday, 25th June, Monday, 17th June and Thursday, 13th June, respectively.
The SEC will issue the results of the 2024 Leaving Cert exams and Leaving Cert Applied exams to candidates on Friday, 23rd August.
This is in line with the date of issue of the results in 2023. The 2024 Leaving Cert Results will be issued to candidates through the Candidate Self Service Portal available at www.examinations.ie and on www.gov.ie/leavingcertificate and to school authorities through the SEC’s Schools Portal.
The SEC will communicate directly with candidates and schools about the planned date for the issuing of the 2024 Leaving Cert results and about the arrangements for the exam.
• Billy Ryle is a Career Guidance Counsellor and educational Commentator
Kerry Football Club welcome Athlone Town AFC to Mounthawk Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm) on Matchday 11 of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.
With the season now well underway, the kingdom find themselves in a strong position after 11 matches. Unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, Kerry hasn’t tasted defeat since March 1.
Six league draws along with the win over Longford Town last time out in Mounthawk Park have Kerry on nine points, one point short of the season total in 2023.
Continued below…
.
That win over Longford Town has given the club and its supporters a huge lift as the second round of matches in the league continue.
Another clean sheet in Limerick last week made it two on the bounce for the Kingdom and Croatian keeper Antonio Tuta.
Although Kerry kept Treaty United off the score sheet, there will be some frustration that the league newcomers couldn’t find the back of the Markets Field net last time out. Athlone Town will be buoyed by the narrow 1-0 over Finn Harps in Lissywollen last time out.
Sitting just one place above Kerry on the table, attention is drawn to Athlone’s away form in 2024, losing four of their five away games to date while picking up a point on Matchday 2 in Turners Cross against Cobh Ramblers all while conceding 12 goals on the road.
A win for Kerry would guarantee a leapfrog over Athlone and into 7th place while the result in the Carlisle Grounds between Bray Wanderers and Treaty could dictate where Kerry FC sit on the table come 9:30pm on Friday night.
The 1-1 draw in Lissywollen on Matchday 4 was the first ever between the sides. Daniel Okwute’s Goal of the Month contender was cancelled out by Dylan Hand 20 minutes from time. Athlone Town are one of two teams that Kerry FC have managed to take all three points off of in SSE Airtricity First Division history.
Continued below…
.
Kerry FC have multiple former Athlone Town men in their ranks. Jack Kavanagh, Andy Spain, Valerii Dolia and Victor Udeze all applied their trade for the Midlander’s in seasons past.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Conor McCarthy gave some positive news on the injury front ahead of Friday night’s game.
Sean McGrath, who missed the game against Treaty United should be in the mix to come back following a small strain on the groin.
Kennedy Amechi is very close to a return. Jack Kavanagh is back in the Matchday squad following his return from injury last week. Nathan Gleeson is also back in training while Valerii Dolia is due for another scan on his foot this week to give another update on his condition.
“To be fair, every game we look at now we feel we have a good chance of winning it,” said Conor McCarthy.
“If we do all the right things between now and the game to approach it correctly with the right attitude we have a great chance. But, if those things are slightly off you can be found out fairly quickly.”
“To be fair to the players, their attitude has been very good, the way they’ve trained and applied themselves has been top class and that is evident every Friday night. But like that the levels of consistency need to be there week in and week out and if they aren’t, you can be found out quickly in this league.”
.Jessica Deane and Lorraine Gordon of Kerry Respite Care recruiting for Kerry Respite Care at the Annual Recruitment Fair at Kerry College, Clash Road, Tralee.
KERRY College hosted their annual Recruitment Fair in their Clash Road Campus, Tralee on Tuesday.
With learners set to complete their QQI Level 5 and Level 6 programmes in May across a diverse range of disciplines such as childcare, hospitality, healthcare support, carpentry, administration, and more, this event proved to be a vital platform for both employers and learners.
“Several prominent employers participated in the fair, alongside recruitment agencies like FRS Recruitment, offering a wide range of opportunities for our adult learners,” said Mary Murphy of Kerry College.
Continued below…
.
“From full time and part time positions to volunteering opportunities, there was something for everyone. Many thanks to all who exhibited on the day,” added Mary.
Learner Ellen Fitzmaurice who studies at the Clash Road Campus said “this was a fantastic event, we polished off our CV’s in class in advance of meeting recruiters and it paid off. There was a wide range of recruiters who were eager to connect with us. The courses in the college are really practical and it was obvious from talking to recruiters that the skills we developed on the course here are very much in demand. I am very positive about my future.”
The college is currently accepting applications for September 2024 entry – these include employment focused and progression orientated programmes. To apply for further information log on to www.kerrycollege.ie. Scroll down for photos…
South Kerry Development Partnership at the Fair..Julie Talbot of Home Instead speaking with Kerry College learners at the Recruitment Fair.Kathryn O’Donnell, Kerry County Childcare at the Fair..Resilience Social Care Service Manager Redmond Powell speaking with Kerry College learner Kathleen Higgins at the Recruitment Fair.Representatives from The Rose Hotel with Kay Lanigan Ryan of Kerry College at the Recruitment Fair, Clash Road, Tralee..Donal Broderick and Juliette O’Donoghue of FRS Recruitment at the Kerry College Clash Road Recruitment Fair.ay Lanigan Ryan (Industry Liaison Officer) and Helen Brick (Work Placement Officer) who organised the Annual Recruitment Fair at Kerry College Clash Road Campus, Tralee..
.Kerins O’Rahillys Club Chairman Oliver Molloy presents the US Masters Challenge winnings to former Chairman Sean Kissane on Wednesday. Also pictured is Ogie Moran, Sean Walsh and Pat Flavin. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Kerins O’Rahillys Augusta Masters Challenge fundraiser once again proved to be a huge success with over 700 taking part and a familiar face taking top prize.
The fundraiser, which initially was set a modest financial goal due to the club’s Golf Classic on Good Friday, exceeded all expectations and raised a significant amount of funds in a remarkably short period of time.
As cards were distributed by club members, the fundraiser quickly gained momentum and thanks to technology – WhatsApp & Revolut – the event attracted a large number of supporters who were keen to participate.
Continued below…
.
The winner, after four days of excitement, was former Club Chairman Seán Kissane with Carmel Daughton taking second place and Shane Corcoran third. The consolation prize went to Karon McLysaght.
The cash prizes were presented to the winners on Wednesday night last, by Chairman Oliver Molloy in the presence of committee members.
AN Garda Síochána is conducting a 24hr nationwide operation targeting speed, known as ‘Slow Down Day’ from 7am on Friday to 7am on Saturday.
The aim of the operation, which is supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), is to promote safer driving behaviour among motorists and to encourage all of society to work with us to help prevent road traffic collisions, and to ultimately keep communities safe.
An Garda Síochána’s ‘Slow Down Day’ is part of its overarching strategic plan to improve driving behaviour and promote safer driving practices in an effort to reduce the number of speed related collisions and save lives.
Continued below…
.
The operation will centre on high visibility speed enforcement activity across Ireland’s road network. An Garda Síochána will also utilise broadcast and print media as well as its social media platforms to spread the important, life-saving message among people of driving safely.
Just four months into 2024, already 63 people have been killed on roads in Ireland. That is 14 more lives lost than on this same day last year.
In advance of Friday’s National Slow Down Day, An Garda Síochána is appealing to the management and supervisors working in both public and private sector fleet operators to please speak with their drivers about complying with speed restrictions.
An Garda Síochána is asking all Local Authorities and Government departments, businesses, schools and third level institutions across the country to please support Friday’s operation, and help Gardaí to spread the message among staff and customers to please slow down while driving.
National Subbuteo Tournament this Saturday in Tralee
This Saturday sees the cream of Irish Subbuteo Table Football doing battle at the Brandon Hotel (Winter Garden Room) for the honours in Round 3 of the Irish Circuit.
We have players coming from as far as Donegal, Belfast, Dublin, Wexford and Cork for the event.
This is Tralee and Kerry’s first time hosting such an event which sees about 20 players making the trip. With several Irish World Cup players on view it should be a great spectacle.
The tournament will be played in a group format before ending in a knockout competition to decide the winner.
Ballymena’s Kenny Beggs travels after taking round 2 on his home turf but Dublin’s Mark Farrell is keen to return to winning ways after slipping up in the north.
Spectators are more than welcome to come in and watch, have a chat or even have a try themselves. There will also be old Subbuteo memorabilia for sale on the day. See you on Saturday.
A LOCAL councillor has expressed his dismay at the reported shooting of a cat with a pellet gun in a Tralee estate.
Tralee Sinn Féin Cllr Cathal Foley, has called the incident — which is believed to have taken place in Connolly Park yesterday — “despicable and cruel”.
Cllr Foley said: “It is despicable to hear that a much loved family pet will lose a leg after a cat was shot by someone using a BB gun in Tralee on Tuesday. This is the deliberate targeting of animals and I would implore anyone with information to report it to the guards, who have been made aware of the situation and are investigating.”
The Government and local authorities need to face some ‘Home Truths’ about accessible housing writes Terry O’Brien, Service Coordinator with the Kerry Irish Wheelchair Association…
Housing shortages in Ireland have been well documented and highlighted. But everyday here in Kerry, I meet people with disabilities who are facing a deeper, silent housing crisis that doesn’t have the commitments or resources from government and local authorities to address them.
Working with Irish Wheelchair Association across Kerry, my colleagues and I regularly meet people who are living in unsuitable housing that is dangerous and damaging to their health.
We meet young people who cannot figure out a plan for where they will live when their parents get older. And we meet parents who are struggling to care for their adult children and are worried about the future.
Continued below…
.
But what choice do they have? Finding housing that is ‘wheelchair liveable’ is impossible across Ireland, let alone in Kerry.
Today if you go onto any property website looking for wheelchair liveable accommodation in Kerry you will find next to nothing.
Yes a property might be accessible meaning it is possible for a wheelchair to get in the front door, but it doesn’t mean a wheelchair user could live there; use the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom.
This is why social housing is so vital for people with disabilities, because there are no private rental options there for them.
Irish Wheelchair Association’s latest national ‘Home Truths’ campaign is hoping to keep accessible housing on the agenda for local authorities and local politicians.
There are many committed individuals in our local authorities who work hard to make sure people with disabilities are included in local housing rollout.
But overall, as government and local authorities remain committed to building more and more houses, people with disabilities remain excluded.
Unfortunately a report published in January by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters found that Ireland’s provision of independent living and inclusion in the community has worsened in recent years.
The committee was reporting on Ireland’s performance under the UN treaty that Ireland signed in 2018, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
At a time when Ireland is building houses at historic levels it is shocking to see opportunities for independent living and accessibility being squandered and missed.
Successive governments have failed to deliver on its own commitments to provide housing options that are accessible and adaptable, for people with disabilities, across our communities.
For example, according to the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2002-2027, people with disabilities have the right to live independently with supports, but the strategy has not been implemented or funded adequately.
For people reading this who have a disability or support a person with a disability, there is always hope when it comes to housing.
Irish Wheelchair Association’s ‘Home Truths’ campaign is a time to refocus on accessible housing, figure out what you need and find the support you need to make a plan. The process may be slower and much harder than it should be, but there is support along the way.
It is important to apply for social housing to be included on your local authority housing list. Your local authority will have those details.
Irish Wheelchair Associations supports many of our members around housing applications as do many other disability organisations. Ask as many people for advice and help as you can. No-one can do it alone.
It is also important that when our local politicians call to our doors in the coming weeks looking for our vote, that we raise issues of accessible housing with them. What are they doing? How can they help?
Access to independent living, with independent living supports and wrap-around services, is a right for disabled people who need it. Or what is the alternative?
Three years ago a report from the Ombudsman found over 1,300 people in their thirties, forties and fifties who are living in nursing homes for elderly people, because of their disability and the lack of any wheelchair liveable accommodation for them.
Independent living is a critical pillar of our society and our government and local authorities need to make this happen.
.Looking forward to the Tralee Lions Club Table Quiz in aid of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School were, from left; President of Tralee Lions Club John Hallinan, Peggy Daly the Board of Management; Chairman of the Board of Management Ger O’Sullivan; Deputy Principal Denise Kerins, Sean Cooke of Tralee Lions Club and Deputy Principal Louise Brosnan. Photo by Dermot Crean
TRALEE Lions Club are organising a fundraiser for a local school this Thursday evening.
St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School has started a campaign to raise funds for a new bus for transporting children on school trips and activities and this campaign has already realised €6,000.
However, they have a long way to go to reach their target of €25,000 and a table quiz to be held at the Kerins O’Rahillys Club from 8pm tomorrow night which will put a few more euro towards that goal.
Continued below…
.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Lions Club for kickstarting our fundraising journey,” said a spokesperson from the school.
“Now we appeal to the generosity of local businesses to join hands with us in supporting this vital cause. Your contribution will not only help us acquire a new bus but also enrich the lives of our students with transformative educational experiences.”
The quiz takes place at The Klub @ Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Thursday, April 18 at 8pm and all are welcome.
.Sadhbh Griffin with extended family at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
WHILE many young pupils in town are busy preparing this time of year for their First Holy Communion Day, there’s still a few Confirmation ceremonies taking place in the greater Tralee area this week.
On Tuesday it was the turn of sixth class pupils from Spa NS to receive the sacrament at the Church of the Purification in Churchill.
Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne was present assisted by Fr Francis Nolan for the ceremony, while Mary Griffin Crowe had the pupils well prepared for the big day.
Later that afternoon, Bishop Ray went to Fenit where children from St Joseph’s Church received the sacrament. Scroll down for photos…
Aoife Lyons with Henry, Meabh, Ciara, Kathleen, Seamus, Orla and Caroline Lyons at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Aoibhinn Corridon with Yvonne, Eoin, Tony, Phil and Anna Corridon at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanCalum Lacey with Jude, Millie, Robyn and Mags Leahy at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Adam O’Donnell with Ellie and Ian Mulcahy and Maeve O’Donnell Mulcahy at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanElla Mai McCarthy with Johnny, Millie, Ciara and Evie McCarthy at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cian Slattery with Imelda, Michael, Abby, Mary Anne and Sarah Jane Slattery and Raymond Lowney at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanKate Deasy with Gavin, Conor and Mary Rose Deasy at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Fiadh Nelan with family Brian, Paddy, Michelle, Molly and Mark Nelan at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanSadhbh Griffin with Ciaran, Eanna and Joanne Griffin at the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sixth Class pupils the Spa NS Confirmation Day at the Church of the Purificiation Churchill on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe sixth class children of Fenit NS celebrating their Confirmation with Eimer D’Brun, Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne and Fr Francis Nolan at Fenit Church on Tuesday afternoon..
.Filip Kordinski, getting the audience on their feet with a tune from ABBA at the Inspired Variety Show, Duchas Theatre, MTU. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694
FROM its modest beginnings in September 2023, the Variety Show organised by Inspired Day Service Tralee blossomed into an extraordinary spectacle recently at the Dúchas Centre at the Kerry Sports Academy, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its participants.
Over the past months, the Inspired performing arts group poured their hearts and souls into crafting a captivating drama production. Originally planned for a small, intimate evening, overwhelming demand prompted the addition of two matinee shows.
The first half showcased a unique rendition of Cinderella, while the latter featured a diverse array of song, music, and dance from various artists.
Continued below…
.
Months of tireless rehearsals and creative collaboration empowered the performers to bring the fairytale to life onstage.
Their hands-on involvement in every aspect of production, from costume design to set construction, ensured a truly immersive experience for both performers and audience alike.
According to Day Service Coordinator Rebecca O’Brien and Career and Programme Coordinator Stephanie Dinham, participants were elated by the demand for tickets and feedback from the audience says it all
Inspired CEO Liz Maher said; “this was a wonderful achievement for the Inspired performing arts group and the show has enabled a number of participants to achieve some of their own personal goals. I would like to extend huge thanks to those who bought tickets to the show and supported the performers. Equally a big thanks to Creative Ireland Kerry and Kerry County Council who extended much needed funding in order to make this dream a reality”. Scroll down for photos…
Emma Crowley, enjoying her dance performance, at the recent Inspired Variety Show, Duchas Theatre, MTU. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694.John McCarthy wowed the audience with his version of “The greatest Showman” Inspired Variety Show, Duchas Theatre, MTU. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694Stephen Buckley and Lauren Walsh Hayes during their rendition of Cinderella at the Inspired Variety Show, Duchas Theatre, MTU. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694.The crowd at the Variety Show. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694Dale O’Carroll, Eoin O’Sullivan, Cody Shanahan, David Malone, Liam Purcell, and Ruah Broadberry, getting ready for their performance at the recent Inspired Variety Show, Duchas Theatre, MTU. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694.Amelia Looby and Maree Looby attending the recent Inspired Variety Show at Duchas Theatre in the MTU. Photo www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694Attending the recent Inspired Variety Show at Duchas Theatre MTU were, Back Row L – R: Norey Murphy, Claudette O’Carroll, Paul O’Carroll. Front L – R: Yaan O’Carroll, Amelia O’Carroll and Marcella O’Carroll. Photo: www.deniswalshphotography.com 087-6017694.
.Principal and students of Lyreacrompane Primary School celebrate the transition to Kerry ETB’s fourth Community National School. Back from left; Katie Brosnan, Principal Eilish Lyons and Mark Nash and in front, Mark Teslyev and Lily Riges.
LYREACROMPANE Primary School has announced its transition to become Kerry Education and Training Board’s (Kerry ETB’s) fourth Community National School (CNS).
This decision marks a shift from its previous Catholic ethos to a multidenominational one, aimed at offering greater inclusivity and choice to families within the community and wider area.
Principal Eilish Lyons expressed the motivation behind this transition, stating, “Locally, there was a lot of support for it. Many of our families have different religions, and we wanted to offer choice to everyone. We are a changing Ireland.”
Continued below…
.
Eilish emphasised the collaborative nature of the decision-making process, highlighting the involvement of parents and the board of management as well as the Kerry Diocese.
While the curriculum remains unchanged, the introduction of the Goodness Me Goodness You Programme reflects a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
“We currently have children that do not take part in our religion classes, they do other work, and now they will be fully included in our school day,” said Eilish.
“The primary school curriculum is the same as all other schools but the Goodness Me Goodness You which is the 30 minute per day patrons programme enables the holistic development of the child, supporting them to grow and flourish as active participants in their learning and in their communities.”
The teaching methodologies will also see a shift towards greater emphasis on philosophy and critical thinking.
Ann O’Dwyer, Director of School, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, mentioned the importance of nurturing these skills from an early age.
“A community national school aims to facilitate pupils’ thinking and debating skills and to facilitate their understanding of their own ideas and those of others,” she explained.
“Philosophy helps children to reflect and think deeply about their place in their community, society, and globally.”
Meetings with parents and community gatherings provided avenues for voicing opinions and concerns. Regarding staffing and leadership, the transition will involve support and training from Kerry ETB for current staff.
While there will be no changes to the school’s facilities, the long-term vision is to develop the school further, potentially extending services such as a bus route from a local town if there are 10 or more pupils who would use the service.
There will be increased choice and new learning opportunities for pupils, both academically and socially. Measures will be in place to support students who have strong ties to the Catholic tradition of the school, including supporting Communion and Confirmation preparation after school.
“It is wonderful place to receive a first class primary education, in beautiful quiet surroundings on the banks of the Smearlagh River and its adjoining Woodlands,” added Ann.
If you would like to enquire about places in the school feel free to contact the Principal Eilish Lyons on (068) 48233 or email lyreschool@gmail.com.
.Network Ireland Kerry committee members and guest speakers pictured at the Network Ireland Kerry April event titled ‘How to write an award-winning application’ for the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswomen of the Year Awards, 2024 at the RDI Hub. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
THE RDI Hub in Killorglin hosted a Network Ireland Kerry event last week to share their insights on how to submit a successful application for their upcoming awards.
Network Ireland Kerry hosted “How to write an award-winning application” for the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswomen of the Year Awards, 2024.
Joining on the evening was, Karen Ronan, MC, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau. Karen was President of Network Limerick 2023 having served as VP and Awards Coordinator in 2022.
Continued below…
.
Also present was Joan Walsh, National Branch Liaison of Network Ireland Kerry, founder of Partnership International, an award-winning flexible and affordable work, study, and travel company for international students.
Joan is a previous winner of the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards in 2011 and 2018. Joan is the Vice President designate at national level and will assume her role as national president in 2026.
Evelyn Woodard, Kerry MacConnell (RDi Hub) and Kerry Brady (Hercules Building Systems) pictured at the Network Ireland Kerry April event titled ‘How to write an award-winning application’ for the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswomen of the Year Awards, 2024 at the RDI Hub. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Kerry will be hosting their inaugural Businesswomen of the Year Awards on the 17th of May, in the Rose Hotel, Tralee.
Winners of the prestigious Regional Kerry Awards will go on to represent Kerry in the National Network Ireland Awards in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Co. Kilkenny this September.
Speaker Helen Wycherley (Celtic Ross Hotel) pictured with Linda O’Mahony Logan (Leadership360 and President of the Kerry branch of Network Ireland) and Joan Walsh (Partnership International) at the Network Ireland Kerry April event titled ‘How to write an award-winning application’ for the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswomen of the Year Awards, 2024 at the RDI Hub. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards are designed to recognise the achievement of these women. Awards are divided into the following categories:
• Solo Businesswoman
• Established Businesswoman
• Emerging Businesswoman
• Creative Professional
• STEM Professional
• Employee Shining Star
• Employee Rising Star
• Networker of the Year 2024
Marion McCarthy, Teresa O’Shea (IPS Kerry), Linda O’Mahony Logan (Leadership360 and President of the Kerry branch of Network Ireland), and Lorna Griffin (IPS Kerry) pictured at the Network Ireland Kerry April event titled ‘How to write an award-winning application’ for the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswomen of the Year Awards, 2024 at the RDI Hub. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Valerie Murphy, Network Ireland Limerick who runs Valerie’s Breast Care, a service providing breast products to women who have had breast cancer surgery, Helen Wycherley who was the Network Ireland National President in 2019 and national winner of the Network Ireland Networker of the Year Award 2023 and Nell Stritch, Network Ireland Limerick, and founder of Pressed Flowers by Nell were also in attendance.
The session was jam packed with super nuggets of information and inspiring award journey stories from these past Regional and National Award Winners.
Aisling Foley (The Rose Hotel) and Emily Reen (MTU) pictured at the Network Ireland Kerry April event titled ‘How to write an award-winning application’ for the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswomen of the Year Awards, 2024 at the RDI Hub. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.
A KERRY TD has expressed his disgust at what he called the Government’s lack of commitment towards supporting Motorsport Ireland’s bid to host a round of the FIA World Rally Championship in 2025.
Motorsport Ireland finally received confirmation from Minister Byrne, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, that his Department would need “at least six months” to undertake further independent economic assessments ahead of hosting the FIA World Rally Championship in Ireland, effectively putting an end to chances of hosting the round next year.
The Munster Technological University Kerry campus in Tralee was to be one of three bases in the country for the event. Deputy Michael Healy Rae says it’s a huge blow to the county.
Continued below…
.
“The financial impact that the FIA World Rally Championship would have brought to the Irish economy was massively significant with Kerry picked to be one of the hosting venues,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
“The amount of World Rally tourists alone would have led to a massive trickle down of much needed income for our tourist industry right down to the small local shops.”
“The run around that the Government has given Motorsport Ireland has embarrassed all those wonderful volunteers in the face of world sport. Motorsport Ireland had their house in order and went to the Government last year, but they were obviously given the run around considering that they engaged with and submitted a full event screening application on October 6th, 2023.”
“What I am most disgusted about is the fact that once they submitted their application, they received no questions or feedback on any of the documents they submitted despite frequent communications to the Department seeking if additional information was required. That alone is proof that the Government even from the start of this process failed to show any real commitment towards the project,” Deputy Michael Healy Rae stated.
The Kerry deputy has thanked the work and commitment made on behalf of the Kerry, Limerick and the Southeast, the regions which were nominated to host the event and is calling on the Taoiseach Simon Harris to get involved to ensure that every effort is made to get the event to Ireland in 2026.
Kerry 2-14 
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some films to enjoy on RTE and TG4 this Saturday…
Led by British Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), the team includes American Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek resistance fighter Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and reluctant explosives expert Miller (David Niven).
Starring, and introducing to the big screen, Ben Kingsley as Mohandas K. Gandhi, it shows his rise from small town lawyer in South Africa to his role as a leader of India’s fight for independence and ambassador for non resistance peaceful protest.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Saturday 7pm RTE1) is the Tim Burton version of Roald Dahl’s children’s story starring Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket, who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning a once in a lifetime tour of eccentric Willy Wonka’s (Johnny Depp) magical factory.
Reese Witherspoon gives an Oscar winning performance as June Carter, who helped and supported Cash to overcome his troubles.
Racked with guilt over his involvement in the murder of a protestant police officer, Cal (Saturday 11.25 RTE2) ,played by John Lynch, is a young republican who turns his back on violence.
A TABLE quiz will be held tonight (Friday) at The Klub at Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club for a very worthy cause.
Guidance Counsellor Billy Ryle on Minister Foley’s announcement yesterday which sees uncertainty end for Leaving Cert candidates as marking process and results date are revealed…
By Ivan Hurley
AN Garda Síochána is conducting a 24hr nationwide operation targeting speed, known as ‘Slow Down Day’ from 7am on Friday to 7am on Saturday.
A LOCAL councillor has expressed his dismay at the reported shooting of a cat with a pellet gun in a Tralee estate.
