Radio Kerry enjoyed some success at the IMRO Awards held at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny last night.
The Weekend Sports programme won the Gold award in the Best Sports Programme Local/Regional category at the prestigious awards known as the ‘Radio Oscars’.
Tim Moynihan won a Silver award in the Sports Broadcaster Of The Year Local/Regional category and JJ O’Shea who won Bronze in the Specialist Music Broadcaster of the Year category.
Coimisiún na Meán has today announced the awarding of over €10.1 million of funding under the latest round of the Sound & Vision Scheme.
Round 53 will fund the production of 91 projects across TV and radio by independent producers and broadcasters around the country, including nearly €45,000 for six new projects for Radio Kerry.
95% of total funding as part of Round 53 has been provided to independent producers and 30% of all funding going to projects in the Irish language or bilingual.
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The six projects for Radio Kerry to receive funding are…
• €8,997 for Echoes of the Past and Present: The Family Names of Kerry – Radio Kerry (Mairéad Ní Mhathúna)
• €8,304 for Finscéalta Chiarraí: Scéalta Miotasacha ón Ríocht – Radio Kerry (Mairéad Ní Mhathúna)
• €7,905 for Creameries of Kerry: A Dairy Journey – Radio Kerry (Keeshla Communications Limited)
• €7,923 for Voices of the Future in Kerry – Radio Kerry (Keeshla Communications Limited)
• €6,744 for Binneas: Music, Song and Stories of the Iveragh Peninsula – Radio Kerry (John O’Shea)
• €4,925 for Old Killarney Town – Radio Kerry (John O’Shea)
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FUNDING of over €26,000 has been awarded for the production of specialist programmes on Radio Kerry.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, today welcomed the announcement by Coimisiún na Meán of the award of €8.6 million to broadcasters and independent producers under rounds 51 and 52 of the Broadcasting Fund Sound and Vision Scheme.
Round 51 of Sound and Vision focused on programming about gender equality, diversity and inclusion of new Irish communities and voices, and the level of allocations was enabled, in part, by additional exchequer funding secured by Minister Martin.
The funding contributes towards Mairéad Ní Mhathúna making four different programmes on Radio Kerry — 20 episodes of Gaeilge Le Chéile 3 (€8,619); 10 episodes of Logainmneacha Chiarraí Volume 2 (€8,456); A Green and Gold Vintage Run (€4,722) and Shores of Strength: Women in Tralee Bay’s Oyster Harvest (€4,670).
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JANUARY is a bleak month after the fun festive period of December, so some businesses decide to brighten up the new year for staff by holding belated Christmas parties.
With the Radio Kerry team working hard over the Christmas period, the company decided to lay on a belated get-together in Roundy’s Bar on Friday.
Presenters, management and advertising staff enjoyed food, refreshments and a catch-up during a well-earned night out. Scroll down for photos…
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RADIO Kerry is delighted to announce that eight groups and individuals have been recognised as the Fexco Kerry Heroes of 2023. Jerry O Sullivan spoke to each of the award winners on Kerry Today earlier today.
All nominations received for this year’s awards are all deserving of recognition in their own right, which made the decision even more difficult for the panel who were asked to choose the eight award winners.
Each award recipient was presented with a specially created 2023 handcrafted vase sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery/Potadóireacht na Caolóige, Clogher, Ballyferriter.
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The eight award winners are;
• Ryan Griffin from Waterville, nominated by listeners for his silver medal win at the Special Olympics.
• The Crotta hurlers who brought a 55 year wait to an end by winning the County Hurling Final.
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• Participants and host farmers in the Kerry Social Farming project were also recognised for the difference they make in our community.
• Lyn Fenton, Liz Fenton and Deirdre O Callaghan were nominated for the support they showed the Fenton Toms family after a devastating house fire.
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• Paddy Kevane for the work he does with St Vincent de Paul, Meals on Wheels and MABS.
• Deirdre Fitzgerald and the staff at the O Connell Adult Centre in Caherciveen were recognised for the support they give to those returning to education.
• Listeners nominated Louise Quill for her work with the Tir na n Og orphanage in Tanzania.
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• Billy Browne from Killorglin for the exceptional care he showed to his late son Conor which facilitated him to be cared for at home. This award also recognised the exceptional work down by family carers throughout the county.
Radio Kerry General Manager, Fiona Stack said that the nominations show how lucky we are to live in a community where so many groups and individuals step forward to help others.
She congratulated the winners and the multiple other nominees, and thanked listeners for bringing their stories forward for recognition and allowing us to end the year celebrating those that make us proud to be from Kerry.
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RADIO Kerry and Fexco are once again joining forces to honour Kerry Heroes.
These heroes are individuals and groups who have shown outstanding community spirit, courage, vision and leadership in the last 12 months here in Kerry.
There will be eight award recipients and each will receive a specially created 2023 award, crafted and sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery/Potadóireacht na Caolóige, Clogher, Ballyferriter.
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Who do you feel really deserves to be recognised for their work at home, in the community, at work. You don’t necessarily have to have been the recipient of the kindness nor do you need to personally know someone to nominate them for their outstanding contribution to Kerry.
On Thursday, December 21st Jerry O Sullivan will announce the 2023 Kerry Heroes and honour them on a special Kerry Today programme between 9 and 11am.
Let Radio Kerry know, in no more than 500 words, who you wish to nominate, along with a photograph if possible by email hero@radiokerry.ie or by post to Kerry Heroes, Kerry Today, Radio Kerry, Maine Street, Tralee, Co Kerry. Closing date for receipt of nominations is midday on Thursday, December 14th 2023.
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RADIO Kerry is one of 32 radio stations to share in funding of €2.4 million.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has today welcomed the announcement by Coimisiún na Meán of the award of €2.4 million to the radio stations under the Broadcasting Fund Sound and Vision Scheme.
The awards range from €35,000 to €95,000, with Radio Kerry to receive €95,000. Each of the 32 radio stations will deliver one initiative, focused on skills building, promoting media literacy, and digital transformation.
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The initiatives will also enhance gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and build communities.
This is the third occasion on which Coimisiún na Meán/BAI has delivered funding rounds tailored to supporting the independent radio sector.
In 2020, €2.5 million was awarded to commercial radio to promote awareness of COVID. In 2021, another €2.5 million was provided, prioritising the local and regional radio sectors, which had seen significant falls in advertising revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
KERRY College has congratulated Digital Journalism, Podcasting & Radio graduate David Nelligan on winning the prestigious Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year Award at the IMRO Radio Awards, held at the Lyrath Estate on Friday night.
David Nelligan’s achievement was particularly significant as the award category is highly competitive, featuring entries from renowned broadcasters such as RTE, BBC, Newstalk, Today FM, and various national and local stations.
In addition to the Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year Award, David also secured a Silver Award in the Short Feature Category for his outstanding work on a feature produced during the course.
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Other Kerry College graduates also made their mark at the IMRO Radio Awards. Niamh Daly and Alan Finn, now Commercial Production Manager at Radio Kerry, were part of the team that clinched a Gold Award in the Short Feature Category for their series, “Heritage Hunters.”
Ian O’Connell, another Kerry College graduate, achieved recognition by making the shortlist for the second consecutive year, showcasing the consistent high standard of graduates from the college.
Furthermore, JJ O’Shea, a past graduate, was honoured with a Gold Award in the Specialist Music Programme category for his outstanding work on the program “The Music Tree.”
In total, Radio Kerry achieved remarkable success at the IMRO Radio Awards, securing 4 Gold Awards, 3 Silver Awards, and one Bronze. The contributions of Kerry College graduates were pivotal in this impressive haul.
Special recognition is also extended to instructors Connie Broderick and Joe McGill for their dedication and guidance, which played a significant role in the success of the graduates.
Kerry College, Monavalley Campus, Assistant Manager John Herlihy said; “Congratulations to all the graduates and instructors involved. This remarkable achievement underscores Kerry College’s commitment to nurturing talent and producing industry leaders in the field of digital journalism, podcasting, and radio.”
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RADIO Kerry had a fantastic time at the IMRO Radio awards at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny tonight, winning four Gold, three Silver, one Bronze award.
One of the popular winners at the prestigious awards — regarded as the ‘Radio Oscars’ — was Tim Moynihan who won the Gold in the Sports Broadcaster of the Year Local Regional category.
David Nelligan from Castleisland won Gold in the Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year Award category as well as a Silver in the Short Feature category for ‘The day the box was seen by Jackie Browne’.
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That Short Feature Category was won by ‘Heritage Hunters’ – an entry by Elaine Kinsella, Alan Finn and Niamh Daly of Radio Kerry.
There was another Gold for the station when JJ O’Shea got the nod for Specialist Music Programme for The Music Tree and he also picked up a Silver for Specialist Music Broadcaster.
Radio Kerry received Silver in the Local Station of the Year category while Weekend Sports received a Bronze award in the Sports Programme Local / Regional category.
Regional, local and national stations from every corner of Ireland entered the annual awards and over 110 judges dedicated their time and expertise to choose a list that represents the pinnacle of Irish broadcasting.
Radio Kerry had 11 entries to make the shortlist on the night and they were…
• Specialist Music Programme – The Music Tree – JJ O’Shea
• News Story – Fr Sheehy and the Sinners
• Sports Programme Local / Regional – Weekend Sports
• Short Feature – Dear Kerry series by students, Joe and Connie
• Short Feature – Heritage Hunters – series with the museum and national schools – Elaine, Niamh, Alan
• Short Feature – The day the box was seen by Jackie Browne – David Nelligan
• Specialist Speech Programme – Stand out with Ian O’Connell
• Digital and Social Innovation – Sam Maguire returns to Kerry – David C, Kaya and Melanie
• Specialist Music Broadcaster – JJ O’Shea
• Sports Broadcaster of the Year Local Regional – Tim Moynihan
• Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year – David Nelligan
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RTE journalist Katie Hannon has been selected as the 2023 Kerry Person of the Year while two Radio Kerry sports broadcasters have also been honoured by the Kerry Association in Dublin.
Ambrose O’Donovan and Tim Moynihan were selected to receive the Laochra Chiarraí award which recognises exemplary leadership in community activity in the county.
The announcements were made on Radio Kerry this morning. Both awards will be presented at the Association’s annual Oíche Chiarraí which will be held in the Louis Fitzgerald hotel, Dublin on Saturday, October 14.
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The Kerry Person of the Year award, now in its 42nd year, recognises an individual who has shown leadership, brought honour to the county, and performed services for the county to such an extent that could be described as beyond the norm of everyday life.
During her tribute to Katie Hannon, a native of Duagh, the Cathaoirleach of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Mary Shanahan, said; “this award is presented in recognition of the valuable contribution Katie has made to public service broadcasting”.
She made particular reference to Katie’s work on exposing allegations of sexual assault of women in the Irish Defence Forces in a special programme ‘Saturday with Katie Hannon’ in 2021, entitled ‘Women of Honour’.
Following this exposure, a Government investigation was established and all 13 recommendations in the final report, published in March 2023, were accepted in full by the Government.
Michael O’Regan, President of the Kerry Association said; “The awards recognise the exceptional contribution made by the recipients to the broader community in the public service and sporting areas”.
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Katie said; “I am absolutely thrilled to be selected KerryPerson of the Year. I have always been so proud of my Kerry roots. This is such a lovely surprise. I am humbled and honoured.”
Ambrose O’Donovan and Tim Moynihan were selected as the 2023 Laochra Chiarraí award winners in recognition of the enormous contribution they have made to the lives of Kerry people at home and abroad, with their lively, informative, entertaining and passionate Radio Kerry broadcasts of Kerry league and championship matches.
Their contribution was more valuable than ever this year when many could not access live TV broadcasts due to the introduction of the subscription-based sports channel GAA-GO featuring live and on-demand Gaelic games.
Tim said; “I am privileged to represent Radio Kerry in a position that carries a huge amount of responsibility. Kerry football means so much to the people of Kerry and beyond. It’s fortunate that I also work with Ambrose, a former Kerry captain, that not unlike myself, wears his heart on his sleeve.”
“We endeavour to tell the true story of what’s happening inside those white lines. It’s about bringing the listeners to pitch side. Our responsibility is to be their eyes and ears for the duration of the game. Being selected for this award is really special as it’s from our own people. This prestigious accolade is as much for our listeners/supporters as it’s for ourselves,” he said.
Tickets for Oíche Chiarraí can be purchased either securely online or from the Association.
Tickets can be purchased online from the Association’s website, www.kerryassociation.ie (at news and events section, purchase tickets) at €85 (€80 and €5 booking fee).
Alternatively, they can be purchased from the Association’s Treasurer, Marion Walsh (email marionwalsh10@gmail.com, telephone 0872832018) or any of the Committee at €80 before Friday 22nd September.
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RADIO Kerry has received 11 nominations in various categories for the IMRO Radio Awards which will be held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel on Friday, October 6.
Regional, local and national stations from every corner of Ireland entered the annual awards and over 110 judges dedicated their time and expertise to choose a list that represents the pinnacle of Irish broadcasting.
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The Radio Kerry entries which made the shortlist are…
• Specialist Music Programme – The Music Tree – JJ O’Shea
• News Story – Fr Sheehy and the Sinners
• Sports Programme Local / Regional – Weekend Sports
• Short Feature – Dear Kerry series by our students, Joe and Connie
• Short Feature – Heritage Hunters – series with the museum and national schools – Elaine, Niamh, Alan
• Short Feature – The day the box was seen by Jackie Browne – David Nelligan
• Specialist Speech Programme – Stand out with Ian O’Connell
• Digital and Social Innovation – Sam Maguire returns to Kerry – David C, Kaya and Melanie
• Specialist Music Broadcaster – JJ O’Shea
• Sports Broadcaster of the Year Local Regional – Tim Moynihan
• Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year – David Nelligan
Fiona Stack, Radio Kerry’s General Manager, congratulated all nominees and expressed the station’s gratitude to everybody who worked on this year’s entries. She added “we are very, very proud of all the output across the week on Radio Kerry. We acknowledge and appreciate the work on all of the entries submitted for this year’s awards, shortlisted or not”.
Radio Kerry has been nominated 132 times and has won 66 IMRO National Radio Awards in the past 17 years.
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RADIO Kerry Radio Bingo has raised €251,420 for its four Kerry charity beneficiaries since it began in May of 2021.
The proceeds from year two, €130,412, have this week been shared equally among the four charity partners Kerry Cancer Support Group, Kerry Hospice, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House and Comfort for Chemo Kerry with each group receiving €32,603.
General Manager of Radio Kerry Fiona Stack said “We are lucky to live in a place with a strong sense of community. The shareholders in Radio Kerry are all local businesses and organisations and are fully committed to all funds raised by the Radio Bingo being passed on to support local charities.”
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Breda Dyland of Kerry Cancer Support Group said; “We are delighted with the continued support from Radio Kerry and its listeners from Radio Bingo. Last year we said we were ring fencing the funding for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. I’m delighted to say that the new 33 seat state of the art fully accessible bus has been on the road for just over three weeks.
“The job of keeping it there now starts. With fuel prices rising again we will feel the pinch and are also even busier because of it so funding is vital. We are always looking at ways to expand and improve so we hope that people continue to support what has become a vital funding source for us.”
Jack Shanahan, Chairman of the Kerry Hospice Foundation said they are delighted to accept this substantial amount from Radio Kerry. “Along with supporting our regular palliative care services, the extra money will be spent helping employ two new full time advanced nurse practitioners. They will provide much needed extra clinical support for our extremely busy units.”
Numbers are broadcast 5 times per day on Radio Kerry as well as being posted on Radio Kerry Facebook and Instagram Stories daily. Books are €5 each available from over 70 outlets countywide. Radio Kerry does not take benefit financially from the Radio Bingo game.
For more details on Radio Kerry Radio Bingo and a list of participating shops where books can be purchased are available on www.radiokerry.ie/bingo
EIGHT worthy recipients of the annual Fexco Kerry Heroes Awards were recognised on a special Kerry Today programme with Jerry O’Sullivan this morning.
They were Batt Burns, Sharon Donovan, Alannah Dunleavy, Sean O’Shea, Noreen Everett, Chemotherapy Unit Staff at University Hospital Kerry, Tralee Soup Kitchen Staff and Cathal Walshe.
Each of the recipients received a specially created 2022 award, crafted and sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery/Potadóireacht na Caolóige, Clogher, Ballyferriter.
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The Kerry Heroes award, organised by Radio Kerry and supported by Fexco are now in their 4th year and to date over 120 nominations have been received from all over the county for both groups and individuals.
The panel who has the task of choosing the annual winners had a difficult task to choose the 8 eventual award winners.
These are some brief details on each of the recipients
• Sean O’Shea — The Kenmare Shamrocks man and that golden moment in the sunshine when he helped Kerry to topple the Dubs with the free facing into the Hill.
• Cathal Walshe – 40 years as PRO of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle – Cathal has played a vital role in developing the event that has funnelled 18million to Kerry charities over the last 4 decades – just a small bit of the work Cathal does in the community
• Sharon Donovan from Annascaul — hers is a story of a friend who stepped up in a time of need and loss – extraordinary help at the most difficult time for her friends family.
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• Alannah Foley – 5 year old Alannah from Killorglin has faced more health challenges than many adults do in their whole lives and all with good humour and grace – her fight for sight has inspired the county.
• Chemotherapy Unit Staff University Hospital Kerry – For their incredible work and support they give to Kerry people and their families who going through the toughest and most daunting of times
• Noreen Everett – Noreen Everett has fostered over 100 children over the last 30 years working in a system that changes lives and plays a vital role in the lives of children who need it but doesn’t always get the recognition or support it deserves
• Batt Burns – Seanchaí/storyteller. Batt is the man behind the Sneem Storytelling festival who has attracted droves of tourists from the US and elsewhere to here the rich heritage of Kerry stories
• Tralee Soup Kitchen Staff – The volunteer team that operates out of Teach an tSolais parish centre for St John’s Church of Ireland in Ashe Street, Tralee. Every Saturday they look after anything up to 100 people.
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RADIO Kerry has launched ‘Radio Kerry Christmas’, the new online-only Christmas radio station playing nothing but Christmas Music.
Radio Kerry Christmas is an automated Christmas radio station that will operate over the Christmas season playing Christmas music and songs 24 hours a day.
The station will be available online, on the Radio Kerry mobile app and on smart devices. Year 1 of the new station will feature station and sponsor branding only.
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This means there will not be any ad breaks or live shows so it is a perfect playout for retail or hospitality venues.
Available from now until January 5, you can listen by pressing the RK Christmas button at the top of the Radio Kerry website, and on their Android and iPhone apps.
On Alexa simply ask “Alexa, play Radio Kerry Christmas”. On other branded smart speakers, simply ask it to play Radio Kerry Christmas. It’s also available on the Irish Radioplayer App and TuneIn
THE ninth annual Radio Kerry Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser for St Vincent de Paul, in association with Garvey’s Super Valu will take place on Friday, December 16 this year.
Over the past eight years the generosity of individuals, school communities and businesses across the county has led to almost €150,000 being raised, every cent of which goes to assist the work of St Vincent de Paul in Kerry.
The 2022 event will once again be kindly supported by Garvey’s Super Valu, Tralee, Listowel, Castleisland and Dingle where collection points will be available in each store for anyone wishing to donate with by cash or by scanning the QR code on the box or poster to donate directly securely via Payzone.
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Christmas Jumper Day is designed to encourage and enable everyone of all ages to take part in their own local environment simply by wearing a Christmas Jumper and making a donation.
Then all you need to do is share a photo or video via social media, email, text and WhatsApp and make a donation to St Vincent De Paul.
Private individuals, families, school and university students, teachers, lecturers and administration teams, colleagues in small, medium and large enterprises – whether working from the office or home can all participate. Register to let us know you are taking part in Radio Kerry Christmas Jumper Day 2022
Radio Kerry Christmas Jumper Day 2021 raised almost €25,000.
“We are so grateful to everyone who participated and donated. Once again we appeal to you to get involved on December 16th and help us to help fellow Kerry people who are facing a very difficult Christmas,” said a spokesperson for Radio Kerry.
Speaking at the launch Paddy Kevane, Area President of St Vincent De Paul, Tralee and West Kerry said; “We at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Kerry would like to thank everyone at Garvey’s SuperValu, Radio Kerry and the Kerry people for once again supporting us this year for our 9th annual Christmas Jumper Day.
“We are preparing over 1,000 food hampers for the Tralee and West Kerry area alone. Separately, all other local SVP Conferences will also be supporting individuals and families with basics such as heat and food. We cannot do that without your support. Please spread some Christmas Cheer by wearing a Christmas Jumper and supporting your local Kerry SVP Branch (Conference). We wish everyone in Kerry a very happy Christmas and New Year”.
Donations may be made directly to the St Vincent de Paul Kerry bank account, their shops around the county or to Radio Kerry.
Online donations can be made via Radio Kerry Jumper Day on line www.radiokerry.ie/jumperday and a dedicated phone line for donations (066) 712 8021 (Extension 1) with 100% of the money going to St Vincent de Paul Kerry.
The money raised via Christmas Jumper Day is used to fund a number of St Vincent de Paul projects right across Kerry including Christmas food hampers, Santa gifts for children who are homeless and in direct provision, Christmas Day Meals on Wheels and the Kerry Education Fund.
St Vincent de Paul operate a donation centre in Tralee and eight stores across their Conference areas in Tralee, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare and Abbeyfeale.
RADIO Kerry and Fexco are once again joining forces to honour Kerry heroes.
The effect of ongoing global challenges in 2022 continue, yet through it all many individuals and groups have shown outstanding community spirit, courage, vision and leadership, so Radio Kerry and Fexco want to honour them.
Each of eight award recipients will receive a specially created 2022 award, crafted and sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery/Potadóireacht na Caolóige, Clogher, Ballyferriter.
Radio Kerry is inviting listeners to let them know who they consider to be the Kerry Heroes of 2022. Who do you feel really deserves to be recognised for their work at home, in the community, at work or for the greater good of Kerry?
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It might someone very well known in Kerry or someone less well known – a friend, a family member or a colleague for example who you feel deserves to be honoured and thanked.
Once all the entries have been received a panel comprising of Radio Kerry and Fexco representatives will decide on the 2022 recipients. On Thursday, December 22, Jerry O Sullivan will reveal their names and honour them on a special Kerry Today programme.
Nominations for Kerry Heroes of all ages are welcome. Please let them know, in no more than 500 words, who you wish to nominate, along with a photograph if possible by email hero@radiokerry.ie or by post to Kerry Heroes, Kerry Today, Radio Kerry, Maine Street, Tralee, Co Kerry. Closing date for receipt of nominations is midday on Thursday, December 15, 2022.
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THERE were a number of Tralee businesses among the winners at Radio Kerry’s ‘Best Of Kerry Awards’ announced tonight at an event at the Dúchas Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Centre at the Kerry Sports Academy,Tralee.
There were 17 winners (see full list below) announced at the inaugural awards which were organised by the station and sponsored by Lee Strand.
Sean Ógs Bar on Bridge Street won Best Pub, while Ballygarry Estate took home two awards for Best Spa (Nadúr) and Best Hotel.
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Emma Quirke Hair won Best Hairdresser, Expose Beauty Lounge & Hair Studio in Mounthawk won Best Beauty Salon, and Austin Stacks won Best Jersey. Kingdom Food & Wine Store won Best Sandwich while the Rose of Tralee was named Best Festival.
Meanwhile, Sandy Feet Farm in Camp, owned by Tralee couple Roy Bowler and Eleanor Wall, won Best Family Business and just ‘out the road’, Kate Brownes in Ardfert won Best Restaurant.
The Best of Kerry was launched in late August, promoted via Radio Kerry’s radio and digital platforms and shared by businesses and communities countywide.
Radio Kerry listeners and social media followers were initially invited to nominate their best of Kerry in 17 categories, which ranged from Best Beach to Best Takeaway, via the station’s website.
In this phase over 40,000 nominations were received spanning the county from north to south and east to west. They were then shortlisted to the top 5 in each category with two categories showing a tie for 5th place!
The shortlist was published and once again it was opened to a public to cast their votes in the 17 categories. Almost 150,000 votes were registered over a two week period which resulted in the top choice in each category being rewarded with a Best of Kerry 2022 Award.
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Fiona Stack, General Manager, Radio Kerry said, “One the reasons we decided on doing the awards was we were conscious that there was a lot of negativity around – bad news that was unavoidable about the economy, utility bills, the Ukraine, and climate change. While all these are realities – we all know that Kerry is a beautiful place with great people, great businesses and great communities. And those stories need to be told too”.
Gearóid Linnane, CEO, Lee Strand said “Lee Strand is delighted to collaborate with Radio Kerry to sponsor the Best of Kerry Awards 2022. The awards were a tremendous success, recognising the importance of supporting local and celebrating everything that is the best in our Kingdom from breath-taking beaches to fabulous food. What is great about the Best of Kerry Awards is that awards were based on people’s choice and it was fantastic to see customers voting and showing their support. We would like to congratulate all of the winners and everyone who was nominated for an award over the past number of weeks.”
Third party software was used to handle Best of Kerry nomination and voting processes. In the interest of fairness great care was taken to ensure that block nominating and voting did not unfairly influence the final results.
Radio Kerry and Lee Strand wish to acknowledge the support of John Stack, Dúchas Comhaltas Centre and Hazel Byrne, Kerry Sports Academy. The Best of Kerry will return in 2023.
BEST RESTAURANT Kate Browne’s Bar & Restaurant, Ardfert
BEST PUB Sean Ógs Traditional Irish Bar, Tralee
BEST HAIRDRESSER Emma Quirke Hair, Tralee
BEST COFFEE Bean in Dingle
BEST SPA Nádúr Spa at Ballygarry Estate Tralee
BEST BUTCHER Burke’s Butchers, Killorglin & Miltown
BEST ICE CREAM Murphy’s Ice Cream, Dingle
BEST TAKEAWAY The Fish Box, Dingle
BEST BEACH Inch
BEST HOTEL Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION Muckross House, Park, Gardens & Farm
BEST FESTIVAL Rose of Tralee
BEST CLUB JERSEY Austin Stacks GAA Club
BEST SANDWICH Kingdom Food & Wine Store, Tralee
BEST BEAUTY SALON Exposé Beauty Lounge & Hair Studio
BEST FAMILY BUSINESS Sandy Feet Farm, Camp, Tralee
BEST BARBER James’ Barbershop, Killorglin
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KERRY Cancer Support Group, Kerry Hospice, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House and Comfort for Chemo Kerry between them share €121,008, the proceeds from the Radio Kerry Radio Bingo game in the first year.
Following a hiatus of many years, Radio Kerry reintroduced the popular Radio Bingo game in May 2021 at a time when many live events and especially charity fundraisers were on hold due to the Covid19 pandemic.
Radio Kerry worked with the four charities in July 2020 on a one day fundraiser called Celebrate4Life which raised over €135,000. They were then offered the opportunity to partner with the station on the Radio Bingo game. In total €256,000 has been raised by the people of Kerry, facilitated by Radio Kerry, for the four charities.
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General manager of Radio Kerry Fiona Stack said; “We are lucky to live in a place with a strong sense of community. The shareholders in Radio Kerry are all local businesses and organisations and are fully committed to any funds raised by the Radio Bingo being passed on to support local charities”.
Breda Dyland of Kerry Cancer Support Group said “Radio Kerry Bingo came at just the right time for Kerry Cancer Support Group. We were coming out of what had been a very difficult time during Covid when all fundraising had almost come to a halt. The bingo raised not only vital funds but awareness too. The majority of the funding has been ringfenced for a new wheelchair accessible bus for our Cork route. We were lucky to receive 100k in funding but have to raise another 90k to buy the vehicle. Thanks to everyone who continues to support. It really means a great deal to the team and most of all to our service users.”
Jack Shanahan, Chairman of the Kerry Hospice Foundation said they are delighted to accept this substantial amount from Radio Kerry. “Along with supporting our regular palliative care services, the extra money will be spent helping employ two new full time advanced nurse practitioners. They will provide much needed extra clinical support for our extremely busy units”.
Marisa Reidy, PR & Marketing Officer, Recovery Haven Kerry said, “Once again, we are absolutely blown away by the generosity and goodwill of the people of Kerry and want to thank them for their support of Radio Kerry Bingo. We hope they know just how much we appreciate their support and never take it for granted. Meanwhile, the team at Radio Kerry have been such wonderful supporters of our charity from day one, and we are so grateful that they thought so highly of us – and the other cancer support services in Kerry – to include us in this year’s Radio Kerry Bingo. The funds raised surpassed all our expectations and will go a huge way in allowing us to support those affected by cancer and their families”.
Mary Fitzgerald, Chairperson Comfort for Chemo Kerry said that the funds raised will go towards continuing fundraising to help build, equip and provide comfort for patients undergoing chemotherapy in a state of the art chemotherapy unit within the grounds of UHK As part of their fundraising they are holding the Inaugural Hope Social in Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee.
It was very well received by previous players and also a new cohort of players have also been tempted by the ease of access to the game, the price point, the prizes on offer and the opportunity to support the four partner charities.
As well as the weekly Jackpot there is a daily prize of €400 for players who fill a panel on the daily page. Numbers are broadcast 5 times per day on Radio Kerry as well as being posted on Radio Kerry Facebook and Instagram Stories daily. Books are €5 each available from over 70 outlets countywide. Radio Kerry does not take benefit financially from the Radio Bingo game.
Since then €70,395 in prize money has been won by players, €43,995 in daily prizes and two Jackpot wins of €13,800 and €12,600
The Radio Kerry Radio Bingo game is now in its second year and proceeds from the game continue to be distributed equally among the four charity partners Kerry Cancer Support Group, Kerry Hospice, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House and Comfort for Chemo Kerry.
For more details on Radio Kerry Radio Bingo and a list of participating shops where books can be purchased are available on www.radiokerry.ie/bingo
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RADIO Kerry has been shortlisted in five categories for the 2022 IMRO National Radio Awards published today.
The nominations are Specialist Music Programme – The Music Tree presented by JJ O Shea; Magazine Programme – The Saturday Supplement presenter by Joe McGill; Specialist Speech Programme – Speak Up (the entry involved women from the NEWKD Moving On project and the Specialist Speech entry was from Radio Kerry’s Speak Up series and was produced and co hosted by participants from Kerry Social Farming); Craoltóireacht le Gaeilge – Caint Chiarraí le Amy Ní Riada and The Gay Byrne Award – Newcomer of the Year – Ian O Connell
Fiona Stack, Radio Kerry’s General Manager, said that the station is very proud of this year’s nominees. She congratulated and thanked all staff involved for their time in putting the submissions together.
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Radio Kerry has been nominated 116 times and has won 66 IMRO National Radio Awards in the past 17 years.
The IMRO National Radio Awards invite radio stations annually to submit entries that they feel show a true and thorough representation of the output of the station and its franchise area.
The 2022 Awards ceremony will take place at Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, on Friday, October 7th hosted by radio and TV broadcaster Dermot Whelan. Back in person after two years of broadcasting virtually, the Irish broadcast community from across the island of Ireland will gather to announce the winners of the Gold, Silver & Bronze honours.
Over 109 judges from across the industry, media and supporting industries listened to over 700 entries spanning six categories – Music; News & Sport; Speech; General; People; Stations of the Year.
41 Awards will be presented on the night. Nominees span networks and Ireland’s independently owned and run stations from north to south and east to west.
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LOCAL media organisations are inviting the people of Kerry and beyond to come together to make their voices heard in a show of support for the Ukrainian people.
Kerry’s Eye and The Kerryman will partner with Radio Kerry on the initiative and are asking people to don blue and yellow colours for a Day of Support for the people of Ukraine.
It can be a simple hand drawn flag, some coloured balloons, changing their social media posts or whatever people wish.
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Individuals or groups displaying the Ukrainian colours or organising events can contact ukraine@radiokerry.ie and Radio Kerry will help to share them.
Radio Kerry General Manager, Fiona Stack said the Day of Support is in response to the many listeners who are contacting the station wishing to express their concern at events in Ukraine, the plight and courage of Ukrainian people and looking for ways to help and support them in any way possible.
Ms Stack says; “We are lucky enough to live in a democracy where people can have their say. In previous years we have held a County Colours Day when the Kerry team have been taking part in All Irelands so this Friday people throughout the Kingdom and beyond will be invited to do the same but this time displaying the colours of the Ukrainian flag in their homes, schools and businesses”.
Both Kerry’s Eye and The Kerryman newspapers will this week publish a special supplement including a coloured pull out of the Ukrainian flag which people can display should they wish.
Tralee Printing have generously given their time and expertise to assist with the insert. Other media organisations and local photographers have also pledged their support.
“It’s no longer just Governments that can express a view, in the modern world of mass media ordinary people have multiple ways to have their voices heard too and the media organisations in Kerry wanted to come together to provide a forum for those voices. We don’t believe a single county in the west of Ireland has the power to change Mr Putin’s views, but maybe enough ordinary people around the world speaking up can influence other ordinary people to say – not in our name,” said Ms Stack.
The media organisations will share details of the Red Cross and the UNHCR donation lines, as well as the locations of various events and collections points that are being organised throughout Kerry.
They will speak with Ukrainians living in Kerry. Even though it is only a small thing it will hopefully make them and their families back at home aware of the support of the people of Kerry.
Radio Kerry will share the messages on its social media channels on the day and will attempt to forward them to a sister radio station in Ukraine.
RADIO Kerry’s annual countywide Christmas Jumper Day 2021 fundraiser for St Vincent de Paul and supported by Garvey’s SuperValu has raised €21,281.
It is the eighth year of the fundraiser and brings the amount raised to date to over €138,000.
Schools, crèches, factories, shops and individuals and pets across the county took part in the 2021 Christmas Jumper Day on Friday December 10th.
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There was lots of festive colour with jumpers of all shapes, colour and sizes, shop bought and borrowed.
Junior Locke and Paddy Kevane of St Vincent de Paul Kerry thanked everyone who took part and donated once again for their generosity. Once again Kerry shows great community spirit in difficult times. The money raised will help St Vincent de Paul to make it a better Christmas and 2022 for Kerry families who continue to face great difficulties.
St Vincent de Paul operate a donation centre in Monavalley, Tralee and eight stores across their Conference areas in Tralee, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare and Abbeyfeale. Donations can be made directly to the St Vincent de Paul Kerry bank account IBAN: IE07 BOFI 9058 3896 5291 51, at their shops around the county and via https://pay-payzone.easypaymentsplus.com/fundraising/campaign/86
RADIO Kerry announced that eight groups and individuals have been recognised as the Fexco Kerry Heroes of 2021.
Jerry O’Sullivan spoke to each of the award winners on Kerry Today this morning.
Over 50 nominations were received for this year’s awards, all deserving of recognition in their own right, which made the decisions even more difficult for the panel who were asked to choose the eight award winners.
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Each award recipient will be presented with a specially created 2021 award of a handcrafted vase sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery/Potadóireacht na Caolóige, Clogher, Ballyferriter.
The eight award winners are…
• Sean O’Laoghaire – from Portmagee he has a herd of goats and he has been keeping people going through lockdown with his daily facebook posts featuring storytelling and folktales
• Brid O Connor – a recent interviewee of Ian O Connell on his Standing Out programme Brid O Connor is a breast cancer survivor who lost her mother to the same disease.
She has written Spark – a beautiful collection of conversations with people who have suffered pain, loss and life altering events and have had the strength to reset their lives following these trials
• Aperee Living Camp (formally Ocean View nursing home) in Camp – The staff and residents at Aparee have been nominated for all they have done to protect and enhance the lives through the pandemic and the last 12 months.
The residents for the resilience they have shown not being able to see friends and family for long stretches of time but came through it all smiling– Like many in nursing homes across the county both staff and residents deserve the recognition.
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• John Naughton – John Naughton was nominated by the staff of the Presentation Secondary School Castleisland – John is the caretaker,
One of life’s gentlemen he goes above and beyond the call regularly and helps in all sorts of ways everyone in the school community – always with a smile – he represents according to the nomination someone who has taken on extra workload and challenges due to the pandemic.
Like in many of our schools across the county who have had to rise to the difficult challenges that the past 12 months have brought about.
• Postmen and Women of Kerry – For their incredible work over the course of the pandemic – nominated by Con Dennehy, the postmen and women of kerry delivered a quality personal service to all.
Along with the post they brought groceries, picked up medicines, the parish newsletter from churches, and fuel from the nearest shop to people in isolation in tough times’
• Martha Farrell – Martha is a founding director of Maharees Conservation Association and has led it from its inception to be a nationally recognised leader on coastal protection and conservation issues.
She brought together over twenty coastal communities nationwide all experiencing similar challenges to Maharees and championed their issues at a national and government level .
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• St Johns Church Tralee – representing all churches and religious groups – Nominated by a parishioner the staff clergy and volunteers of St Johns Tralee faced and met all challenges including saying mass to empty churches, managing numbers safely and providing hope in the real as well as the online word for people of faith.
• James O’Donoghue – representing all shopkeepers who went above and beyond, James of Oaklands Daybreak in Oakpark Tralee did so much for people in a shop that is an institution in the area, working right throughout several lockdowns and providing a link with those elderly people in the area for that was a lifeline from the paper and scones in the morning to hot dinners in the evenings as well as essential supplies.
RADIO Kerry and Fexco will once again honour the heroes of Kerry.
Some individuals and groups have shown outstanding community spirit, courage, vision and leadership throughout 2021 and deserve some recognition.
Radio Kerry is inviting listeners to let them know who they consider to be the Kerry Heroes of 2021.
Each of eight award recipients will receive a specially created 2021 award, crafted and sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery/Potadóireacht na Caolóige, Clogher, Ballyferriter.
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It can be a frontline worker, someone in your community or just someone you think deserves to honoured and thanked.
Once all the entries have been received, a panel comprising of Radio Kerry and Fexco representatives will decide on the 2021 recipients.
On Wednesday, December 22, Jerry O’Sullivan will name and honour them on a special Kerry Today programme.
Radio Kerry welcomes nominations for Kerry Heroes of all ages. Let them know, in no more than 500 words, who you wish to nominate, along with a photograph if possible by email hero@radiokerry.ie or by post to Kerry Heroes, Kerry Today, Radio Kerry, Maine Street, Tralee, Co Kerry.
Closing date for receipt of nominations is midday on Thursday, December 16th 2021.
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THE eighth annual Radio Kerry Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser for St Vincent de Paul will take place on Friday, December 10, 2021.
Over the past seven years the generosity of individuals, school communities and businesses across the county has led to over €120,000 being raised, every cent of which goes to assist the work of St Vincent de Paul in Kerry.
Christmas Jumper Day is happily a Covid19 friendly fundraising event. It is built on encouraging everyone to take part in their own local environment simply by wearing a Christmas Jumper.
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Then simply share a photo or video via social media, email, text and WhatsApp and make a donation to the St Vincent De Paul.
Private individuals, families, school and university students, teachers, lecturers and administration teams, colleagues in small, medium and large enterprises – whether working from the office or home can all participate.
Speaking at the launch of the Radio Kerry Christmas Jumper Day 2021, Paddy Kevane, President of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Kerry, said; “2020 Jumper Day raised an unprecedented €25,000. We are so grateful to everyone who participated and donated. Once again we appeal to the people of Kerry to get involved on December 10th and help us to help fellow Kerry people who are facing a very difficult Christmas”.
Donations may be made directly to the St Vincent de Paul Kerry bank account, their shops around the county or to Radio Kerry.
Online donations can be made via Radio Kerry Jumper Day and a dedicated phone line for donations (066) 712 8021 (Extension 1) with 100% of the money going to St Vincent de Paul Kerry.
The money raised via Christmas Jumper Day is used to fund a number of St Vincent de Paul projects right across Kerry including Christmas food hampers, Santa gifts for children who are homeless and in direct provision, Christmas Day Meals on Wheels and the Kerry Education Fund.
St Vincent de Paul operate a donation centre in Tralee and eight stores across their Conference areas in Tralee, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare and Abbeyfeale.
RADIO Kerry received a top prize at the IMRO Radio Awards tonight, which was held virtually this year.
Radio Kerry’s Terrace Talk was shortlisted in the Local/Regional Sports Programme category for a tribute show following the passing of Kerry athlete and Olympian Jerry Kiernan earlier this year.
The show was presented by Andrew Hickson and produced by Ivan Hurley.
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Students in the Radio Kerry Digital Journalism and Radio Broadcasting course with Kerry College were also nominated in the Short Feature category, for their entry The Power of a Phone Call.
The IMRO awards mark the best in Irish radio broadcasting and recognise those who have made contributions over the year. Over 700 entries were received for this year’s awards.
ARE you a Leaving Cert student wondering what to do next, a media graduate who wants hands on experience or perhaps you are thinking of a career change.
Kerry College are currently recruiting for an 8 week introduction to Radio Broadcasting course which commences in Tralee on September 27th.
Trained by industry professional you will learn about radio, journalism, podcasting, news and sports, and music presenting.
Applications are also being sought for a year long course in Digital Journalism and Radio Broadcasting starting in November. This course involves a 3 month placement in a media organisation.
Details of both courses and how to apply are available now by clicking here . No fees apply. Or for further information contact jmcgill@radiokerry.ie.
RADIO Kerry is to receive €100,000 in funding from the Broadcast Authority of Ireland (BAI).
The funding initiative has been awarded by the BAI to help promote greater awareness and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic across the independent commercial radio sector.
Allocations ranging from €37,500 to €100,000 have now been approved by the Authority, with the maximum amount awarded to Radio Kerry.
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Minister for Education and Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley has welcomed the announcement saying: “Radio Kerry provides a vital broadcast service to the entire Kerry region and beyond, covering everything from current affairs to light entertainment and community notices.
“This funding is an acknowledgement of the excellent work and journalism that they broadcast on a daily basis to homes throughout the Kingdom.”
A RADIO Kerry presenter will team up with Dáithí Ó Sé to co-host the Today show on RTE One next month.
Elaine Kinsella, who co-presents Kerry’s Full Breakfast with Andrew Morrissey on weekdays, will join Dáithí to make up an all-Kingdom pairing on April 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th.
The Listowel native appears on Today regularly as part of the panel of journalists discussing the issues of the day, some of which are topical and a few quirky ones too.
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Commenting ahead of her new co-hosting role, Elaine said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to guest present on Today. This is my fourth season as a panellist on the show and I enjoy every appearance so much. I love the atmosphere in the Cork studio and the entire team has always made me feel so welcome. I’ve a great rapport with Dáithí (the fact that we’re both from the Kingdom helps!) and I think we’ll have a lot of fun together.”
Rachel Allen and Úna Healy will also to co-host Today in April. Maura Derrane and Dáithí will continue their three days a week together from Wednesdays to Fridays.
This April switch-up is a result of Sinéad Kennedy going on maternity leave. Since Sinéad joined the team in September, she has co-hosted the show each Monday and Tuesday alongside Dáithí Ó Sé.
RADIO Kerry has announced the winners of a special student essay competition entitled ‘If I Were An MEP’.
The winning essay was written by Presentation Secondary School Tralee student Ciara Sharp.
Among the issues Ciara wrote about were gender equality, the gender pay gap, and sexism. Former US First Lady Michelle Obama was cited as an inspiration and a role model for Ciara.
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The station ran the essay competition for secondary schools in Kerry where teenagers wrote about what they would seek to achieve as an MEP.
The essays were of the highest standard and were wide and varied in their ambition. From climate change, pressing social issues, to gender equality; many serious issues were discussed by the students.
There were also four runners up announced. Among these were Jenni Engelhard from Killorglin Community College and Ilona Sheehan from St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School, Killarney.
Presentation Secondary School Tralee had more success with Ellie O’Hanlon and Adra Kongjoni also among the runners up.
The winner will receive €180 whilst the runners up will receive €80 each. “We were overwhelmed with the standard of essays the students of Kerry sent in to us.
They are a credit to their schools and communities. They would make great MEPs” said Fiona Stack, Radio Kerry General Manager.
The prize winners will feature on Radio Kerry’s Saturday Supplement with Joe McGill from 9am on February 20th when they will have the chance to interview Ireland South MEPs live on air.
The very special EU programme is part of the EU and MEproject which aims to raise awareness of the role the European Union plays in all our lives and was created with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs Communicating Europe Initiative.
RADIO Kerry’s annual countywide Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser for St Vincent de Paul has raised €22,621, surpassing the €15,000 target for 2020.
It was the seventh year of the fundraiser and brings the amount raised to date to over €117,000. Hundreds of people took part in Christmas Jumper Day right across the county, on Friday December 11th , in homes, places of work, schools, crèches, factories and shops.
It was a very colourful event with jumpers of all shapes, colour and sizes, shop bought, borrowed and carefully handcrafted.
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Junior Locke of St Vincent de Paul Kerry said they are “delighted beyond words with the support and generosity of the people of Kerry. He said it shows great community spirit in difficult times. The money raised has helped St Vincent de Paul to make it a better Christmas for 800 Kerry families who were facing great difficulties this year”.
St Vincent de Paul operate a donation centre in Monavalley Tralee and seven stores across their Conference areas in Tralee, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Killarney, Dingle and Abbeyfeale. Donations can be made directly to the St Vincent de Pau Kerry bank account IBAN: IE07 BOFI 9058 3896 5291 51 or at their shops around the county .
Radio Kerry and St Vincent de Paul are very grateful to everyone who has been a part of Radio Kerry’s Christmas Jumper Day in aid of St Vincent De Paul since 2014 helping to raise funds for people in our communities who need our help.
