Continuing our Review of 2015, here’s some of the stories we brought you in May…
• The first day of May brought the confirmation that Dick and Eileen Henggeler, the parents of the late Dorothy Henggeler, the 2011 Washington DC Rose who sadly passed away last year, succeeded in their bid to purchase Fels Point Hotel in Tralee.
It was reported the Executive Chairman of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara, wouldbecome Managing Director of Fels Point Hotel. (Click here)
• We told you about a man from the Kerries catapulted into the world of the rich and famous.
Armed with two helmets, Tralee’s Eugene McGrath and his friend James O’Malley have stepped into the spotlight vacated by reclusive electronic music giants Daft Punk and reaped the benefits of the French act’s super-stardom.
They were interviewed by dance music media behemoth ‘Ministry Of Sound’. (click here)
Continued below…
• A capacity crowd rocked the opening night of Quarters Nightclub at Godfrey Place in early May.
After much anticipation, the doors opened and the new club has proved a very popular spot since then. (click here)
• There was great sadness at the news of the death of Dr Arthur Spring.
The well-known doctor and golf course architect died at his home on May 6. (click here)
• Austin Stacks added a county league title to their 2014 haul by beating Dr Crokes in the deciding match of last year’s campaign at Connolly Park.
Extra time was needed for the Rock to get one over their great rivals from Killarney, who, with Colm Cooper back in their ranks, could not stop the black and amber winning machine. (click here)
Continued below…
• New Kerry Rose, Julett Culloty said she was looking to the future with optimism after a tough 12 months when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
The 25 year old from Kilcummin, was speaking after winning the title in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel. (click here)
• It was also announced that the Rose of Tralee Festival will be extended to a week long Festival from 2016 onwards with 70 Rose contestants taking part and an extra night’s TV coverage.
It will mean a major boost to the local economy beyond the €12 million that the Festival already delivers. (click here)
• The Austin Stacks clubhouse in Connolly Park played host to the launch of RTE’s 2015 All Ireland championship coverage.
Sports presenter Marty Morrissey was at the helm, ably supported by legend of Kerry football, Tomás Ó Sé, along with ex Galway player, Padraig Joyce and regular Sunday Game panellist Kevin McStay. (click here)
• Former Government Minister, Pat Carey from Castlemaine, was the Grand Marshal for the Kerry Festival of Pride Campaign which attracted a colourful bunch of people from all over the county and beyond.
It was all part of a week-long series of events celebrating diversity within Kerry. (click here)
• Renowned beautician Mary O’Donnell spoke of how her life was changed after she was bullied online.
Speaking to 2FM’s Ryan Tubridy, the Tralee beautician told of how a mishap during a slot on RTE’s ‘Today’ show from February, went viral online. (click here)
Continued below…
• A Siamsa Tíre dancer performed for Prince Charles on his visit to Galway in May.
John Fitzgerald, a native of Brandon, and other dancers gave the Royal visitor a traditional Irish welcome with a sample of Irish dancing at NUI Galway. (click here)
• Like most of the country, the people of Kerry gave the nod for same-sex couples to get married as the referendum was passed.
In the Kerry North/West Limerick constituency, 55.5% voted ‘Yes’ and 44.5% voted ‘No’. (click here)
• Recovery Haven Cancer Support House Kerry won the top prize at the Rural Innovation Awards.
The awards, sponsored by Dairymaster, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Teagasc and the Farmers Journal, took place in the Ballygarry House Hotel. (click here)