Daily Archives: December 14, 2023

News

Andy Spain Signs For Kerry FC From Treaty United

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Andy Spain after signing for Kerry FC.

KERRY Football Club has confirmed the signing of Andy Spain from Treaty United ahead of the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign.

Spain comes in on a professional contract which will keep him in Mounthawk Park until the end of the season

Spain, who is 22, is a versatile defender who applies his main trade as a centre-half, makes the move from Limerick to the Kingdom and becomes Kerry FC’s first new signing of the transfer window.

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Spain, a Kildare native, played Academy football with both Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic at under 19 level.

He made his senior SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division debut in 2022 with Athlone where he made 19 appearances for the Midlanders.

In February 2023, Spain made the move to Munster and to Treaty United where he made 20 appearances, 3 of which came against Kerry FC.

Spain was also an Ireland international underage, representing his country at Under 17 and Under 18 levels in 2018 and 2019.

Speaking following his signing for Kerry FC, Andy Spain said “I really am buzzing to sign for Kerry! After speaking to Conor, James and Billy, I can tell they are very ambitious about the season ahead and I’m delighted to be part of it.

“I feel it’s somewhere I can progress my career and hopefully help bring the club success! I can’t wait to put on the jersey in Mounthawk Park and play in front of the Kerry fans.”

First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy said “We’re thrilled to have signed Andy for 2024. Andy is someone who knows the league having played a couple of seasons in it already, it’s a great sign when players from other clubs are finding Kerry an attractive place to come and that’s down to years of hard work from everyone at the club, I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying we’re looking forward to seeing him in action very soon.”

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Entertainment, News

Music CD By Late Tralee Musician Launched By Minister Norma Foley

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Minister Norma Foley launches the CD featuring the music of the late Paddy Malone with David and Fran Malone, David Buttimer, Paul Hanrahan and Zoe Malone at the Action Lesotho CD/DVD shop in the Tralee Shopping Centre on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

MINISTER Norma Foley was on hand on Thursday to launch a CD by late Tralee musician, Paddy Malone, at the charity shops of Action Lesotho in the Tralee Shopping Centre.

The songs – a mix of old favourites and originals – are sung by Paddy and the CD was mastered by John Brown, who played with Paddy for many years.

Compiled by Fran Malone, Paddy’s widow, in his memory, the sale of the CD will benefit the charity Action Lesotho, particularly in its infant feeding programme, which provides vital nutrition to malnourished babies in Lesotho, one of the poorest countries in the world.

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Paul Hanrahan, Chair of the Board of Action Lesotho, commented; “we are so grateful to Minister Foley for launching this CD.  She is an extremely busy lady, and taking time to do this shows her compassion for some of the world’s poorest children.”

He went on to praise Fran Malone and the Malone family for her generosity in donating proceeds of the sale to the feeding programme.

“I played with Paddy myself back in the day,” he said, “and I know that people all over the county loved his distinctive, melodic voice.  The CD is a real treat for music lovers and would make an ideal gift, while doing good for infants who are not getting enough to eat.”

Education Minister and Kerry TD Norma Foley said the CD was a celebration of Paddy Malone’s musical talent and ability.

“He was a gifted musician and I am so pleased that his rich legacy is being honoured with the release of this CD. I am especially pleased that it will benefit Action Lesotho and I want to acknowledge Fran and her family for their enormous generosity. I wish Paul Hanrahan and all involved in Action Lesotho continued success with their good and important work,” she said.

The CD is available in Action Lesotho’s shops in the Tralee Shopping Centre – which sell second-hand books, bric-a-brac and vintage entertainment items.

All the shops are run by volunteers, and all the money raised goes directly to the project in Lesotho, a small mountainous country in southern Africa.  It is also available on the Website www.actionlesotho.ie.

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News

Total Cleaning Cookery Demo Event Raises Over €3,200 For Adapt Kerry

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Niamh Brosnan (left) and Kate Brosnan (right) of Total Cleaning Kerry present the proceeds of their recent fundraiser to Suzie Cox and Catherine Casey. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE proceeds of a recent cookery demonstration at a local business were presented to Adapt Kerry on Thursday.

Total Cleaning Kerry’s cookery demo on Friday, December 1, featured chef Mark Doe of Just Cooking in Firies who created some delicious finger foods and dessert recipes  for the season ahead.

The event was held in aid of Adapt Kerry and all proceeds from sales on the day were donated to the local organisation, dedicated to supporting and empowering women and children in need.

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It was a well-attended event and €3,386 was eventually raised, much to the delight of Kate Brosnan of Total Cleaning Kerry; “It was a huge success on the day and indeed all week, as some of our customers who couldn’t make it on the Friday popped in at other times to generously support it.”

“In addition to raising the funds, it generated more awareness of the important work being done by Adapt Kerry and the services they offer,” added Kate.

Catherine Casey of Adapt Kerry thanked Total Cleaning Kerry and the public for supporting the event. “It was such a great event and we’re very appreciative. This donation helps us provide a resilience fund for clients coming into us and we’re grateful for the support.”

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News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Pupils Put On Wonderful Christmas Concerts At Scoil Eoin

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Ms O’Donoghue’s first class pupils ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was an air of excitement throughout Scoil Eoin in Balloonagh this week as the children performed the annual Christmas concerts.

The school hall was packed with parents over the three mornings for a wide range of music, song and dance numbers which the pupils have been working on over the past few weeks.

Ms. Sugrue’s newly formed choir performed “A Musical Delight” followed by Mrs Donovan and Margaret’s Junior Infants entertaining with “Santa doesn’t know his Sounds!” accompanied by Mrs Hill.

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Mrs Meehan’s after school tin whistle group, accompanied by Mrs. Hill, played some traditional and festive tunes before Ms Reidy, Grace and Anne’s Junior Infants took the audience to a Winter Wonderland.

Members of the tin whistle group from various classes prepare to go on stage for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Ms. Burke and Therese’s Senior Infants class were excited to sing some songs  accompanied by Ms Daly and Mrs. O’Donoghue’s first-class pupils put on ‘Love is All Around’ accompanied by Mrs. O’Donoghue on guitar and Ms. Daly on piano.

Ms. Curtin and Sally’s 5th class are focussed on one of our Sustainable Development with ‘Life Under the Sea’ before Ms Sugrue and Sally’s 5th class took a look at a week in TV in an episode of “Gogglebox”.

Ms. Lyons 5th class presented ‘Taylor [Swift] Tours Kerry – The Kingdom Era’, while Ms O’Neill, Catherine, Kerrie and Natalia’s Senior Infants transported audiences to the North Pole.

Ms Reidy’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mrs. Dennehy’s Super Senior’s Christmas Show (with special guest is DJ Mary V.) went down a storm while Ms. Sheehan’s and Peggy’s Junior Infants did equally well  with an assortment of Christmas songs and actions.

The three 2nd Classes performed an excerpt from the well-known Roald Dahl classic Matilda accompanied by Ms Daly, followed by another musical treat as Mr McSweeney’s after school musicians took to the stage playing some traditional and festive tunes.

Ms Reidy’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mrs. Hill’s 1st Class presented ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’, followed by Mrs. Meehan and Theresa’s 1st class (accompanied by Ms Daly) with lots of ideas to save the beautiful planet from the effects of climate change.

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The three 3rd classes along with Aine, entertained the audience with a selection of classic Christmas carols and songs (againa accompanied by Ms. Daly) while the three fourth classes brought the performances to a close highlighting the importance of following your dreams, believing in yourself and working as part of a team. Scroll down for photos…

Ms Reidy’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Ms O’Donoghue’s first class pupils ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ms Burke’s senior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Ms Burke’s senior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ms Burke’s senior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Senior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Senior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Senior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ms O’Donovan’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Ms O’Donovan’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ms O’Donovan’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Ms O’Donovan’s junior infants ready for the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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News

Council Invites Applications For Funding For Climate Action Projects

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KERRY County Council is inviting applications from community organisations in Kerry for funding for climate action projects.

Funding of €663,000 has been made available by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for projects which support and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way which contributes to national climate and energy targets.

The Community Climate Action Programme is being delivered across the country and Kerry County Council has opened applications for funding under the scheme.

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Eligible projects include those in the areas of Community and Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, Shopping and Recycling, and Local Climate and Environmental Action.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane said: “This funding offers a great opportunity for community groups to shape climate action in their own communities. Over the next eighteen months, it will be very exciting to see what projects are developed across Kerry.

“Communities are at the heart of how we deliver climate action in Kerry and through this fund we will empower communities to undertake climate action at a local level. COP 28 has highlighted the global challenges we face as a country when it comes to climate change and with the upcoming, soon to be published, Kerry County Council Climate Action Plan coupled with this fund, Kerry can become a leader in the journey to a low carbon society,” said Cllr Finucane.

The Community Climate Action Programme can fund up to 100% of all eligible costs for a successful project.

The grants are available in three categories: small grants are up to €20,000, medium size grants are between €20,000 and €50,000 and large-scale grant are between €50,000 and a €100,000. Applicant groups are required to meet a number of criteria.

Applications for the funding are open until March 6, 2024. Full details are available on the Kerry County Council website.

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Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle, News

PHOTOS: Ladies Attend Sold Out Christmas Make-Up Masterclass At CH

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Michelle Regazzoli Stone who gave the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

NEARLY 100 ladies gathered at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening for an evening of glitz, glamour and some tips to get through the party season while looking amazing.

The makeup maestro herself, Michelle Regazzoli Stone, hosted the sold-out ‘Night Out with Mrs Glam’ Christmas Masterclass where she revealed her makeup artistry secrets in an up-close-and-personal two-hour live tutorial.

Michelle gave her expert tips, tricks, and techniques to the ladies while extolling the benefits of the recently unveiled Mrs Glam Glorious Skin Powder Foundation.

Ladies could use the €25 ticket entry towards the purchase of any Mrs Glam product available at the event and they also took home a goody bag filled with Mrs Glam treasures home with them. Scroll down for photos…

Bridget O’Shea, Maura Conroy and Lorna O’Shea at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Gillian Lawlor, Neasa O’Connor and Claire Pigott at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ciara Whelan and Ciara Prendiville at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Amy Ferris, Helena O’Leary and Imelda O’Sullivan at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Marguerite Egan, Róisín O’Connor, Sheilann Egan and Aine O’Connor at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Karen Corridan, Róisín Stack and Ailbhe Stack and at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Diane Lucey Taylor and Tara Hickey at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mags Lacey and Lorraine Murphy at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Marguerite Myers and Lisa Goulding at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Siobhan Fitzgerald and Lorraine Chawke at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ellie Bucke and Victoria Brouder at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Caroline McCarthy, Elaine McCarthy and Sophie McCarthy Cronin at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary O’Regan and Regina O’Regan at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The large crowd at the Mrs Glam Christmas Masterclass at CH Tralee on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

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News, Sport

Kevin Williams Signs Up For Another Season With Kerry FC

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Kevin Williams in action. Photo by Adam Kowalczyk

KERRY Football Club has confirmed that they have secured the services of Kevin Williams for the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign.

Williams, a Kerry native, returned to the Kingdom in 2023 ahead of the club’s inaugural season in the League of Ireland

The 23-year-old Centre Back has a wide variety of experience in the game. He played for the Kerry FC Academy at under 17 and 19 levels. From Kerry FC he signed for Cork City and lined up with the club’s under 19 squad.

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From Cork, Williams made the move to Cobh Ramblers where he played in the SSE Airtricity First Division.

Kevin made the move to Germany in 2021 where he played for Inter Leipzig and more recently with FSV Union Fürstenwalde in the Oberliga.

Williams went on to play a total of 34 of a possible 38 games for Kerry FC during the 2023 season, starting all of the 34 games he played meaning he was a key player under the stewardship of Billy Dennehy.

Speaking on his re-signing for Kerry FC, Kevin Williams said “I am very much looking forward to the season ahead. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans again in Mounthawk Park once the season gets back underway in February”

Also speaking following his re-signing, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy said; “We’re are delighted to sign Kevin ahead of the 2024 season. Kevin was a key player for us last season and we’re delighted to have him for 2024, he’s a leader in the group and a player that young players can look up to with the way he trains and his professionalism off the pitch also. I know the fans love him and can’t wait to see him back for another year”.

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