Daily Archives: December 13, 2023

News

Event For Kerry Foster Carers And Their Families Held In Rose Hotel

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Pictured at the lunch were, at back, Mairead White, Social Worker, Tusla Kerry; Peter Commerford, foster carer, Margaret Enright, Principal Social Worker, Tusla Kerry; Freda Fitzgerald, Social Worker, Tusla Kerry; John Lenihan, foster carer. Front Row from left: foster carers, Kathleen Kelliher, Eileen Commerford, Joan Mulvihill, Hannah Lennihan. Photo: Domnick Walsh

TUSLA – Child and Family Agency hosted foster carers and their families who have given years of their lives to help children and young people in care for lunch in The Rose Hotel, Tralee on Monday.

The large crowd was entertained by a balloon modeller, a face painter and a special visit from Santa.

The lunch was held to thank foster carers and supported lodgings providers across the county for the invaluable care they provide daily to support children and young people, but also to provide them with the opportunity to meet and connect with other carers.

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Several local services and companies including The Rose Hotel, Aldi Ireland, Horan’s Health Food Store Tralee, Dunnes Stores North Circular Rd. Tralee, Lee Strand, Corrib Oil Abbeydorney, Kingdom Food & Wine Store, Urban Sanctuary Tralee, O’Connor’s Circle K Rathass provided spot prizes for the raffle to show their support for the important work foster carers do in our community.

Tusla staff and foster carers at the Tusla foster care appreciation lunch in The Rose Hotel, Tralee. Photo: Domnick Walsh

Tusla’s fostering service relies on families and individuals in our community who are willing to share their homes and lives with children and young people whose parents are unable to care for them, and to work with a range of professionals to support the children in their care. Currently, there are 163 children in foster care in Kerry and 84 families who foster.

Margaret Enright, Principal Social Worker, Tusla Kerry said’ “The event was about thanking foster families for their daily commitment to providing a secure, inclusive and safe family environment to children who require it within their own county.

“It was wonderful to see the care, love and support provided to our children in care in action today whilst families enjoyed lunch, face painting, balloon modelling and of course a visit from Santa himself. We wish all our foster families and those in their care the very best in 2024.”

Catherine, Tusla foster carer from Kerry, said: “The foster carer appreciation lunch was a brilliant way to finish up 2023. We were able to come together, foster carers, kiddies and the Tusla staff we’ve worked with throughout the year and celebrate our year of caring.”

“It was lovely to see the retired foster carers be appreciated for their years of dedication to the children and to see all the little ones playing together and enjoying their Santa visit.”

Tusla hold regular online information sessions for anyone interested in becoming a foster carer. To register or to find out more information about fostering, visit fostering.ie, call freephone 1800 226 771 or email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie.

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DINING OUT, Entertainment, News

Sponsored: A Toast To The Best Roast At Kirby’s Brogue Inn

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Bridget Moynihan serving up a full plate at the carvery at Kirby’s Brogue Inn.

TIS the season to be jolly and anyone visiting Kirby’s Brogue Inn over the coming weeks will certainly be full of festive cheer.

The landmark pub at the bottom of Rock Street is renowned for the quality of its food and a recent national award only enhanced that reputation.

Last month the Brogue was recognised as a ‘Knorr Recommended Roast 2024’ venues, becoming one of the first pubs in the country to be recognised with the honour.

The award was given to recognise the achievement of continuously producing delicious roast dishes of such a high standard to customers.

Ciarán O’Leary doing the carving at Kirby’s Brogue Inn.

‘Knorr Recommended Roast’ is a new programme that acknowledges pubs and hotels across the country who are passionate about food and consistently produce the highest quality roasts and carvery dishes.

Kirby’s Brogue Inn had already established a solid reputation for its food having won Great Carvery of the Year Munster on three occasions.

Their carvery is famous, not only for the quality of the food, but also for the plentiful amount meat and vegetables giving excellent value for money to its customers who return time and time again.

This was in evidence earlier this week when we paid a visit to the Brogue at lunchtime and were met with a long line of hungry shoppers and workers on their break queuing for the carvery.

The range of lunchtime dishes served throughout the week includes roast lamb, turkey and ham, roast beef, stuffed loin of pork, beef burgers, lasagnes, cottage pie, curries, fish dishes and much more.

A delicious carver dinner served up at Kirby’s Brogue Inn.

It’s all served up with legendary customer service and efficiency, while there’s plenty space to sit down and enjoy lunch before heading back to work or the Christmas shopping.

Of course the Brogue isn’t just the place to eat lunch! There’s a vast menu for evening meals too making it a wonderful place to meet up over the coming weeks for parties, family get-togethers or just catching up with old friends. Kevin, Fiona and all the team will take good care of you.

To book a table for an evening meal, call 066-7181998.

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Sport

Two Defenders Sign Up Again For Season Ahead With Kerry FC

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Rob Vasiu of Kerry FC.

KERRY FC confirmed that defenders Rob Vasiu and Graham O’Reilly have re-signed for the club in a deal which will keep them at Mounthawk Park as work begins ahead of the 2024 season.

Vasiu, who turned 19 during the season, returns to the squad after a successful step up to senior football in 2023. A former St Brendan’s Park player, Rob signed for Kerry FC six years ago where he has played Under 15, 17 and 19 League of Ireland football representing the Kingdom.

Rob Vasiu went on to feature in 25 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division games along with featuring in both matches for the kingdom in the Sports Direct FAI Cup.

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Graham O’Reilly has also re-signed for Kerry FC having made 13 appearances for the senior side in 2023.

21 year old O’Reilly, who can play at both right back and in midfield, had played League of Ireland underage for his native Wexford FC, before moving to Waterford FC, where he became captain of the under-19 squad.

Graham O’Reilly of Kerry FC.

He also made his debut for the Waterford FC senior side in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division at just 18 years of age. Graham was part of the Kerry FC Under 19 squad in 2022 as an overage player before stepping up to the senior ranks last season.

Speaking following his re-signing, Vasiu said; “I’m delighted to re-sign for Kerry Football Club. I can’t wait for next year to build on the work done last season and the experience I’ve gained from it. We have the best fans in the league by far and I’m excited to give them the results they deserve.”

Graham O’Reilly said; “I’m delighted to be back for another year with Kerry FC. There’s been a great buzz around the county for the upcoming season and I’m hoping we can get the support that we got last year to help us push on. We have a lot to prove from last year and we want to succeed a lot more than what we did last year too. We’re hoping to see you all at Mounthawk Park for the upcoming season.”

Also speaking following the two signings, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy said “We’re delighted to have re-signed both Graham and Rob for the 2024 season. Rob has come through the academy set-up and had a very good first season at senior level. Graham signed for the club at under 19 level and has been a great addition to the club. Having spoken to the lads you can tell they’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch in January.”

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Entertainment, Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News, WHAT'S ON

Traditional Christmas Day Dips To Take Place In Banna And Fenit

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Making the dash at the Christmas Swim in Fenit on Christmas Day 2022. Photo by Dermot Crean

WITH less than two weeks to go to the big day, it’s worth a reminder that there’s wonderful opportunities to take a bracing dip and help out two great causes on Christmas Day in Banna and Fenit.

The annual Christmas Day Swim in Fenit will take place at 12 noon will see a collection for RNLI Fenit Lifeboat.

The swim will begin with the traditional singing of Jingle Bells and then Santa will sound the bell for the first of three dashes into the water.

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The Fenit Christmas swim is one of the oldest in the country and is the largest in Kerry with around 800 swimmers on the day and 2,000 family members cheering them on.

The Lifeboat crews will be there collecting and will have loads of hot teas, coffees and soup available. Participants are asked to arrive early and park sensibly.

Meanwhile, over the road in Banna, swimmers will take to the water at 12.30pm for the 40th annual swim. Music and refreshments will be available afterwards at the Banna Rescue Boathouse.

This will be the final event in Banna Rescue’s 40th anniversary celebrations and anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by going to donate.bannarescue.org

Whichever beach you choose, you should follow these guidelines…

1) Arrive in plenty of time
2) Wear your swimwear under your clothes .
3) Stay dressed and warm until the last minute .
4) It is advisable to wear footwear to avoid cutting your feet on any stones .
5) Do NOT dive directly into the water . Wet your face first and gradually lower yourself in .
6) When the swim is over , get dried off and put on layers of warm clothes and a hat as quickly as possible and get a hot drink of tea , coffee , chocolate or soup .
7) Avoid alcohol completely before the swim and afterwards for at least a half an hour until you are warm . Alcohol will interfere with the warming up process and can react badly to cold shock.

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Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Special Christmas Concert This Saturday Evening At Island Of Geese

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A VERY special concert is to take place this Saturday evening at the Island of Geese at 7pm.

The Sounds of Christmas is brought to you by Tralee Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council. Head along to the free event where you can revel in an evening filled with the magical melodies of the season and festive joy.

Talented performers, musicians, and choirs will come together to deliver a delightful blend of timeless Christmas classics and contemporary festive tunes.

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The event, hosted by Elaine Kinsella, will feature an incredible line-up including Catriona O’Sullivan, the Music Generation Kerry Wind Ensemble, Róisín Hussey, Clodagh Harrington, Ciara Murphy, Saoirse Murphy on the flute, Sharon Lynch, Alan Teahan, Mike & David Lynch, a Christmas Singalong, and many more fantastic acts.

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