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Continuing our review of 2023 we look back at some of the news we brought you in November…
• NOVEMBER started brightly in Tralee with hundreds of people converging on Denny Street to watch the National Circus Festival of Ireland parade and fireworks display.
There was a great family atmosphere enjoying the post-Halloween entertainment on a chilly night with colourful performers and floats lighting up the night.
• AN Garda Síochána held its annual National Garda Youth Awards in Portlaoise with Kerry teenagers honoured.
A Special Achievement Award was presented to Erin O’Sullivan from Tralee who has a rare disorder Ataxia Telangiectasia, a condition that combines the symptoms of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and immune system disorder.
Members of Banna Rescue — Amber Dunne and Eoin Buckley — received a Community Safety Award while The Upcyclers from Castleisland Community College received a Group Award.
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• THE winners of the Family Business Awards were announced and a Tralee business picked up an award in Dublin.
Ryle’s Pharmacy on Ashe Street was named Pharmacy Family Business of the Year while Romantic Castles Of Ireland, who have Ballyseede Castle Hotel in their collection of hotels, won Hospitality Business of the Year.
• OVER 200 people headed to the Greenway at Fenit in November to take part in the first ever Fenit Parkrun.
The efforts of volunteers paid off as it was a hugely successful first running with people of all ages taking part. The runners and walkers set off from the starting line at the bridge making their way off on a 5k route.
• FAMILY Carers Ireland announced that this year’s Netwatch Kerry Family Carer of the Year was Kathleen O’Sullivan from Portmagee.
This accolade recognises the exceptional dedication and commitment of family carers across the nation who provide vital care at home for loved ones with additional needs.
Kathleen was described as being an incredible and passionate individual who is constantly giving her time to help others. Kathleen, in particular, cares for her daughter Hannah who has cerebral palsy.
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• UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry (UHK) has officially opened its newly renovated Interim Oncology Day Ward.
Located within the hospital in a reconfigured space of the Ratoo Ward, this dedicated medical oncology unit provides a modern, bright, and compassionate environment, ensuring patients experience privacy and a welcoming atmosphere.
• MINISTER for Education and Kerry T.D, Norma Foley, visited Presentation Secondary School Tralee to announce multi-million euro funding for new facilities there.
The Department of Education announced funding for the school to provide for a suite of new facilities including specialist classrooms for music, science, technology, graphics and textiles. Prep rooms, where required, are also included.
• THE Kerry College Assistant Principal won a national award for her work on Universal Design at the John Kelly Awards.
Celia O’Shea said it was a great honour to have won the John Kelly Award for the Further Education and Training Sector this year.
• KERRY GAA launched the new home jersey for its teams. With this jersey, the classic green and gold colours have a deeper tone and is inspired by the jersey of the 1984 All Ireland winning Kerry team.
“This statement piece of combining the vintage elements with modern characteristics embodies the message of Kerry GAA – always building on tradition when moulding future vision,” reads the description on the Kerry GAA website.
• THE PwC GAA Football All-Stars were held at a gala black-tie event in Dublin’s RDS tonight and four Kerry players received the accolade.
There were nine Kerry players nominated, but Tom O’Sullivan, Sean O’Shea, Paudie Clifford and David Clifford were the ones who collected the prestigious awards, while David Clifford won the Footballer of the Year honour for the second year in a row.
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• KERRY star Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh was named as the 2023 TG4 Senior Players’ Player of the Year at the annual TG4 All Star banquet, in association with Lidl, at The Bonnington Dublin Hotel.
Kerry had five representatives on the All-Star team — defenders Eilís Lynch and Cáit Lynch, midfielder Lorraine Scanlon and forwards Niamh Carmody and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh.
• THE month saw a number of changes at Kerry FC. There was change in the senior management team for the 2024 season.
Billy Dennehy is moving to his original position as Sporting Director while the first team coaching group will consist of Billy’s original staff of Conor McCarthy, James Sugrue and Del O’Shea with Shane Guthrie joining as Strength and Conditioning coach.
Also, Brian Ainscough has stepped down as CEO of Kerry FC to pursue other interests at Dundalk FC.
• TRALEE Chamber’s Annual General Meeting took place at the Meadowlands Hotel where Stephen Stack was elected the new President.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the Astellas project, highlighting its potential to be a game changer for Tralee. Stack commended Kerry County Council for its proactive efforts in enhancing the town’s infrastructure, setting the stage for such progressive developments.
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