PHOTOS: Taking In The West Kerry Sights On Charity Bike Run

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Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.

AS always there was a great turnout on Sunday in Blennerville for the annual West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike run.

Organised by Maura Sullivan, over 60 bikes took part and people travelled from all over the country, taking in the sights of West Kerry and raising funds for Kerry Hospice Foundation.

The bikers visited Castlegregory, Clahane, Brandon & Brandon Point, over the Conor Pass and into Dingle.  They finished off with a visit to Minard Castle and Inch before returning to Blennerville. An impressive €1,850 for Kerry Hospice. Scroll down for photos…

Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
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Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
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Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
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Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
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Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Participants in the West Kerry Honda 50 and Classic Bike Run on Sunday in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
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Tralee Chamber Makes Pre-Budget Submission To Ministers

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TRALEE Chamber has made a pre-budget submission highlighting the ongoing and escalating challenges facing retailers and small independent businesses across Tralee and the wider North Kerry region.

The submission, to both the Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, notes rising labour costs, additional employee benefits, soaring operational costs, town centre crime rates, and the importance of reinstating the 9% VAT rate for businesses as crucial issues currently facing local businesses.

The Chamber believes that the impact of these challenges is devastating to the local economy and has resulted in the closure of several retailers and independent businesses, not just in Tralee, but in town centres throughout Ireland, seeing a vast increase in town centre vacancy and dereliction which needs to be fixed.

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In the submission to the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Tralee Chamber has called on the Government to commit to the following requests:

• A review and adjustment of the pace of minimum wage increases to better align with economic realities facing small businesses
• The introduction of a zero-cost policy for the first three days of statutory sick pay
• Targeted financial supports for small businesses to help manage the costs of extended parental leave and the upcoming auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Government interventions to stabilise energy and insurance costs, as well as the escalating prices of raw materials
• Reinstate the 9% VAT rate for businesses – this is crucial to ensure the survival of many businesses, the economy, and our communities
• An enhanced Garda presence in town centres

Tralee Chamber believes that should the Government commit to these requests, the local economies throughout the country will not only survive, but will see a return to thriving, vibrant town centres and communities, and urges the Government to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues.

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Progressive Pathways Fair To Take Place In Tralee In September

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Employability Kerry on Rock Street.

THE Progressive Pathways Fair will return next month providing a great opportunity for people aged 16 or over, with additional support needs to find out more about their employment options.

The Fair — which takes place at The Rose Hotel on Thursday, September 26, from 11am to 3pm — will have everything to inform those looking to progress to employment and further education and training, of all the options available to them.

This free event is organised by Employability Kerry and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

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There will be guest speakers on the day and a number of organisations will have stands at the event.

Located at Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Employability Kerry provide a ‘one-stop shop’ support service for people with a health condition, injury or illness or disability and who are seeking employment or training.

This event will have an autism friendly room, is wheelchair accessible and sign language interpreters will be available on the day. For more information check out their Facebook page here.

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Gardaí Investigate Incident During Festival Where Man Suffered Facial Injury

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GARDAI are appealing for witnesses to an incident during the Rose of Tralee/Féile Thrá Lí during which a man received an injury.

On Monday, August 19, at 2am, a male alleged he was assaulted by another male on Castle Street. It is alleged he was punched a number of times and received a cut to his lip.

CCTV has been sought from local businesses but if anyone witnessed the incident, they are asked to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066-7102300.

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Meanwhile Gardaí in Tralee are looking to reunite owners with lost property. A lady’s black wallet containing identification with the name Linda O’Connell was found during the Rose festival.

Also, a silver step ladder was found on Friday, August 23 at the Oakley Park area and is currently at Tralee Garda Station.

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Nominations Now Open For Tech Industry Alliance Leaders’ Awards

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Pictured at Tech Industry Alliance Leaders’ Awards launch are, from left; Sean Ryan, Chairperson, Aspen Grove & TIA Board Member; Niamh O’Sullivan, Director of Economic & Community Development, Kerry County Council; Eileen Sugrue, TIA Programme Manager (Kerry); Ogie Sheehy, CEO, ViClarity & TIA Board Member.

THE Tech Industry Alliance (TIA) has announced the 2024 Leaders’ Awards will take place at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, in November and nominations are now open.

The decision to host the event in Kerry highlights TIA’s commitment to recognising the achievements of the entire South-West’s tech and STEM communities and the vital role that collaboration plays in driving this regional success.

The Tech Industry Alliance Leaders’ Awards, now in their 17th year, have become the benchmark for celebrating those who are shaping the future of technology in the South-West.

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From emerging startups to established multinational companies, these awards honour the leaders whose contributions are making a significant impact on the region’s growth.

Sean Ryan, TIA Board Member and Chairperson of Aspen Grove, shared his excitement about this year’s event: “Bringing our flagship event to Kerry isn’t just a milestone; it’s a statement. It underscores our commitment to driving tech innovation and collaboration across every corner of the South-West. County Kerry and Cork’s tech scene is thriving, and it’s only right that we celebrate these achievements in a region that plays such a crucial role in Ireland’s economy”.

This year marks the third Leaders’ Awards under the Tech Industry Alliance, a collaboration formed in 2022 through the merger of it@cork and KerrySciTech.

Ogie Sheehy, TIA Board Member and CEO of ViClarity, urged the community to get involved: “There’s a real buzz around this year’s awards. I encourage everyone in the tech community of the South-West to join us — nominate those who are making waves and helping to build the vibrant ecosystem that collaboration has brought to life in our region.”

The 2024 Leaders’ Awards categories include Tech Start Up of the Year, Tech Scale Up of the Year, and Tech Person of the Year, among others. These awards not only recognise innovative use of technology but also highlight the resilience, creativity, and social impact of businesses and individuals who are driving progress in the region.

Nominations for the Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards 2024 are now open, with submissions accepted until October 11.

Reserve your tickets by contacting info@techindustryalliance.ie. For more information, visit www.techindustryalliance.ie.

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Austin Stacks GAA Juvenile Club News

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PEIL FAOI 7/8/9: Our Under 7/8/9 footballers had another great football session last Sunday morning in Caherslee. All players required again at 11am on Sunday next (1st September….wow…mid-autumn!). Bígí linn! All welcome!

PEIL FAOI 11: (i) More Football-for-Fun will take place in Connolly Park at 10.50am on Sunday next (1ú Meán Fómhair…an ‘samhradh’ sleamhnaithe uainn!). Peil iontach againn v An Daingean ar an Domhnach seo caite. (ii) Another exciting and challenging encounter will take place in the U11 Boys Central League this Thursday (29th). We had a mighty evening of caid (= peil) v K-O’R on Thursday last in Connolly Park.

LÁ TEAGHLAIGH: We look forward to a Family Day on Sunday next (1st September) in Connolly Park.

MNÁ CHIARRAÍ: We eagerly look forward to a visit from the Kerry Ladies, All-Ireland champions 2024, on September 22nd in Connolly Park.

FAOI 13: Mórchomhghairdeachas to our U13 boys who won the ROSE CUP. The competition was sponsored by the Bon Secours Hospital. This annual U13 football Cup and Shield competition was organised by Coiste Bhordcheantar Thrá Lí in association with the Rose of Tralee Festival….CLG agus an Fhéile i dteannta a chéile! Na foirne a ghlac páirt: Dr. Crokes; Cuala, Dublin; Ballymac; John Mitchel Club; Listowel; Douglas, Cork; Pearse Brothers Club, Churchill; Kerins-O’Rahilly Club; Milltown/Castlemaine; Firies; Ardfert; Austin Stack Club; Kilcummin; Fr Casey Club, Abbeyfeale; Keel/Listry; Na Gaeil (2023 winners).

Our successful U13 team was introduced to the match supporters at half-time in The Rock v Killarney Legion Intermediate quarter-final game at Connolly Park on the Sunday. A weekend of Rock victories! Congratulations to the team, to their mentors and to our ever-faithful Black‘n’Amber supporters. Maith sibh! (Adrienne McLoughlin)

FAOI 14: We look forward to the Lee Strand Football (one-day) U14 Tournament (boys born in 2010 or 2011). The games will take place on the 14th September (Saturday) when we’ll field the best possible Austin Stack Club U14 team. Preparations were stepped up and trials were held on Thursday the 22nd and on Monday the 26th.

An exciting trial match v Na Mistéalaigh took place on Saturday last (24th). This is a ‘big’ tournament and teams travel from afar to participate….all good teams! We hope to be among the best! Keep an eye out for group messages for details. (Ger Hobbert)

PEIL FAOI 15: (i) Training continued with sessions on Wednesday evening and on Sunday morning. Wednesday sessions are part of the Tralee Development Programme in which all the town teams are involved and playing together. We encourage all players not involved with the Tralee District team to attend these open-to-all sessions and let’s keep working on the fitness in preparation for the Central League final v Na Gaeil. Up The Rock!

(ii) Our U15 boys who were chosen on the minor panel: Eoin Mangan, Darragh Lyons, Harry Murphy, Jamie Casey. Maith sibh, a bhuachaillí!

(iii) The 16 Austin Stack Club players on the Bordcheantar Thrá Lí (Tralee District) team/panel that defeated the Eoghan Rua (Ó Súilleabháin) team on Wednesday: Conor O’Regan (cúl báire), Oran O’Donoghue (4), Eoin Mangan (6), Darragh Lyons (7), Ben Litchfield (lár páirce), Jamie Casey (lár páirce), David Hobbert (10), Harry Murphy (11), Jack Delaney (12), Jayden O’Dowd (16), Haulie Cotter (17), Fionn Cotter (19), Ryan O’Carroll (20), Mark Riordan (22), Barry Laide (26), Danny Lane (27). Result…Bordcheantar Thrá Lí: 3-11: Eoghan Rua: 2-6.

The conditions were very challenging and very strong crosswinds hampered the game somewhat but both sets of players gave their all in an entertaining encounter in this Group B game at Ballyseedy.

The Tralee side led at half-time by 4 points…1-7 to 1-3…and they continued to lead to the finish. Good football was played. An Bhainistíocht: Tim McMahon (AdeS), Rob Lacey (K-O’R), Seán Field (JM).

Other U15 games were played.  Group A…East Kerry: 2-19; West Kerry: 1-10. Bordcheantar Naomh Breandán: 2-3; Ciarraí Thuaidh: 0-8. Group B…Mid-Kerry: 0-6; Castleisland District: 1-20. The Shield games…Kenmare District: 1-15; North Kerry: 3-11; South Kerry…Bye. (iv) We are very proud of our three boys on the North Kerry Development squad: Anraí Ó Murchú, Conchúr Ó Riagáin agus Eoin Ó Mongáin. Good luck, boys! Ciarraí Thuaidh Abú! (Ger Hobbert, Adrienne McLoughlin)

The Austin Stack Club minor team that defeated the St. Brendan’s Board area team in the quarter final of the Keanes Supervalu Minor County Championship on Monday evening last in Blennerville. Scór….Na Stacaigh: 2-11; Bordcheantar Naomh Breandán: 1-9. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin.

MINORS: (i) Congratulations to The Rock minors who took on boys of the St. Brendan’s Board area (divisional team) in the quarter final of the Keanes Supervalu Minor County Championship and defeated them.…2-5 to 1-5 (after 40 minutes)….2-11 to 1-9 (final score). Imríodh an cluiche i gCathair Uí Mhóráin ar an Luan (25th). Well done, boys!

Our lads: Oliver Lata; Eoin Mangan, Fionán Ryan, Aodhán Horgan; Jayden Moriarty, Gavin Casey, Darragh Lyons; Alex Tuohy (0-1), Ben Murphy; Rory Lynch, Ronan Carroll (0-4), Harry Murphy; Jack Diggin (0-1), Ryan O Driscoll (1-5; 2f), Cormac Bastible (1-0). Subs: Jake Carmody (for Jayden Moriarty), Jamie Casey (for Rory Lynch), Ben Litchfield (for Jack Diggin), Conor O’Regan, David Mullins, Jack Shanahan, Tadhg Falvey, Brian Kavanagh, Max Gryzbowski, Jayden O’Dowd, Gabriel Maszorak, Adam Mac Eoin, Leon Mac Suibhne. Well done, The Rock! Good luck in the semi-final, boys!

(ii) Mór-chomhghairdeachas to Ben Murphy who has been selected on the Electric Ireland GAA minor team-of-the-year. A well-deserved accolade for all his hard work and dedication. A great honour for Ben, for his family and for our club and mentors. (Other Kerry players selected are Gearóid White (JM) and Kacper Robak (Crócaigh Chill Airne).

CLUB GEAR: Club merchandise: log into www.austinstacks.ie (under ‘shop’).

CLUB LOTTO: Thanks once again to all club lotto supporters and promoters and especially to (i) Siopa Chaoimhín de Barra, Ollmhargadh Grósaera na Carraige, (ii) Paudie Commane Books, Sráid na Carraige, (iii) O’Flynn Interiors, Sráid na Carraige, (iv) Hussey’s Deli and Newsagency, Cé an Phrionsa, (v) Carmel Cuiltéir, AdeS, (vi) The Burger Shack, Móin an Bhealaigh, (vii) The Brogue, Sráid na Carraige.

ÁR bPEILEADÓIRÍ SINSEARACHA: ‘Well done’ to our club senior team (Intermediate Club Championship) that defeated Glenbeigh/Glencar…1-7 to 0-14…in Connolly Park on Sunday last. Go n-éirí go geal leo sa chraobh v Raonaithe na Leamhna.

‘MÁISTRÍ’ CHIARRAÍ: Sympathies to William Kirby and the Kerry ‘Masters’ who were pipped by Roscommon…1-5 to 0-7…and consequently were unsuccessful in qualifying for the All-Ireland ‘Masters’ Final.

Other teams that The Kingdom overcame along the way: Cork (0-9 to 0-6), Clare (1-20 to 0-5), Galway, Kildare (0-13 to 0-5), Limerick (1-10 to 0-6) and Antrim. Dublin defeated Kerry by the bare minimum (1-10 to 1-9) earlier in the competition. Tyrone defeated Kerry in last year’s final and Dublin toppled them in the 2022 semi-final. Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach, b’fhéidir!

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Tralee Magic Basketball Club News

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🏀🏀🏀 U14 Boys Trials 🏀🏀🏀

For boys born in 2011 & 2012, the next U14 basketball trials are happening now!

– Monday, 26th August | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

– Thursday, 29th August | 8:00 PM – 9:00PM

– Monday, 2nd Sept | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: The Green School Gym

Cost: €3 per session

What to Bring: Water & a ball

🏀🏀🏀 Our Academy is Back! 🏀🏀🏀

After a long summer break, we’re thrilled to return to the court with fantastic coaches and fun activities! If you have a girl or boy born between 2016-2020, here’s the info you need:

– U6 Boys and Girls (2019-2020) |  from Thursday, Sept 5th | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

– U8 Boys and Girls (2017-2018) | from Friday, Sept 6th | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

– U10 Boys and Girls (2015-2016) | from Friday, Sept 6th | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Mercy Mounthawk School Gym

For questions, contact us at traleemagicbc@gmail.com. Please include your child’s name, date of birth, parent’s name, and contact number.

Important: Trials are to stream players by skill level, ensuring every boy gets a spot on a team. If you can’t attend pre-season training or trials, let your coach or team manager know!

As the 2024/25 season kicks off, we need more volunteers to help with general tasks, fundraising, and especially coaching. Your time and support are vital to ensuring every child can participate. If you can help, please contact your child’s coach or email us at traleemagicbc@gmail.com. Let’s make this season a success together!

Sponsorship Needed

To keep registration fees unchanged, we are seeking sponsors to help with our running and training costs. Check out our 2024/25 Sponsorship Brochure on our website www.traleemagicbc.ie for more details!

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