Week 1 • 3rd January 2020
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college education in Business Studies and Tourism, she originally took on the role of Customer Service and Accounts, but with her vast knowledge and experience, she was promoted to Assistant General Manager last year. Linde is no stranger to Killarney as she previously managed a telecommunications store in town, and has also worked and managed various charity events.
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Laura joined the Killarney Advertiser team in November last year, and brings over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality, sales and customer service field from Killarney all the way to Melbourne, Australia where she lived for two years. Laura is happy to help and advise customers who come through the doors of the Killarney Advertiser. As a Killarney town local, she prides herself on maintaining great working relationships with all her customers and making sure everyone leaves with a smile.
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SPIES IN DISGUISE
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Leszek Szeligowski
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Leszek brings 20 years’ experience as a Graphic Designer with extensive experience in designing and producing advertising materials, flyers, brochures, folders, logo creation, etc. From his previous job he brings over 10 years’ experience as a Senior Graphic Designer in the Topic Newspaper, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Leszek also has experience in the digital press printers area.
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Conor joined the team in February this year after previously being an In-House Graphic Designer with Ard Ri Marble Group in Tralee, Co. Kerry. He studied Interactive Multimedia in the IT, Tralee. He brings almost four years’ experience in a wide variety of print media including brochures, packaging, advertising and online promotions. T: 064 6632215 E: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
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IN THISWEEK’S EDITION … P6
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More electric car charge points for Killarney
Charity calendar to raise funds for St Mary of the Angels
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Drone technology for search and rescue group
THIS WEEK’S ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Editor: Michelle Crean Assistant General Manager: Linde Bot Hutchinson Graphic Designer: Leszek Szeligowski, Conor O'Leary
Sports Journalist: Adam Moynihan, Sean Moriarty Sports Columnists: Adam Moynihan, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Liam Murphy, Eamonn Keogh
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Local teen has eyes set on Hollywood
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Anne’s ‘Views on the News’
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Check out our 2019 Reviews
Unit 1, Park Place, High Street, Killarney | Tel 064 6632215 Email info@killarneyadvertiser.ie | Web www.killarneyadvertiser.ie Journalist: Sean Moriarty Contributing Columnists: Anne Lucey, Debby Looney, Chris Reina, Jill Duggan
Photographers: Dylan Clifford, Eamonn Keogh, Don MacMonagle, Sally MacMonagle, Valerie O’Sullivan, Konrad Paprocki, Marek Hajdasz
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More electric car charge points for Killarney town
EXCLUSIVE
Killarney is one of 52 locations nationwide and the only one in Kerry that will get additional electric vehicle charging points this year.
TWIN CITY: This marching band from the Italian twin-town of Casperia will feature in the Killarney St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Twin town committee expanding its reach in 2020 Killarney Town Twinning Association is planning a busy year ahead with delegations from the USA, Germany and Italy expected in Killarney this year. | By Sean Moriarty Internationally, town twinning associations are tending to move away from their political roots when they were managed by town mayors and moving towards community and sporting organisations within the twined towns. Aside from the efforts to bring the Scottish Masters Athletics Internation-
al event (see separate story on P20) to Killarney in June, the Killarney Town Twinning Association are planning to have an Italian marching band at this year’s Killarney St Patrick’s Day Parade. Twin town Caspeira, about 50kms northwest of Rome, will provide the Italian glamour in March. Meanwhile, the German town of Pleinfeld, usually a great supporter of the St
Patrick’s Day festivities in town, will delay their arrival by one week this year. “Their local town elections are taking place on St Patrick’s Day, but they, along with two other towns in their region are coming a week later to sample the culinary delights of the town,” Killarney Town Twinning Association Chair Sean Counihan told the Killarney Advertiser. “In the past year we have worked with golf societies and some of Killarney Celtic soccer club youngsters were in Germany last year. We are open to working with every sports club in town.”
Tesco Ireland, in partnership with ESB, has announced that an 18-county, 52town roll out will commence in early 2020 with completion expected by the autumn. The two Killarney charge points will be installed at Tesco’s Deerpark outlet. The new electric vehicle charging sites will allow its customers to easily charge their EVs conveniently while shopping. The new ESB chargers will be 22kW dual chargers providing charging capacity to two vehicles simultaneously. The chargers will be capable of providing up to 145km of driving range in 60 minutes. The 52 chargers will be included on ESB’s nationwide charge point map to help customers find their closest charging point and allow customers to start and stop transactions using the ESB app. “At Tesco we recognise that a growing number of our customers who visit our stores are using electric vehicles,” Kari Daniels, Tesco CEO, said. “With all our electricity already coming from renewable sources across our network we want to support our customers with convenience-based charging. Partnering with ESB installing these charging sites nationwide will help the Government’s Climate Action Plan and our aim as a business to become a zero-carbon retailer by 2050.” There are currently over 15,000 electric vehicles on Irish roads, with 4,755 of these registered in 2019, an increase of 142% on 2018 figures.
A New Year reflection for 2020 A happy and a prosperous New Year to one and all. In my prayer I entrust to the loving care of God Our Father all the people, homes, and communities of our counties and diocese. I think especially of people who are really struggling. The source of Christmas and New Year rejoicing is family, community and faith. We are not isolated individuals, we share our lives with family, friends and neighbours. United together we are strong and secure. Have time and make time for people. Believe that in our lives we
already have more than we need to be happy and fulfilled. The birth of Jesus speaks to us of the presence, love and support of God in our lives. With God, family, neighbours and friends there for us, 2020 can be a good year for us all. 2020 brings its share of great challenges. I think of the working out of Brexit, and the urgency of care for the environment. I think of homelessness and of the gaps in our health services. I think of our upcoming general election and of the valuing of our democracy. At an individ-
ual level many people of all ages suffer from ill health or sadness, from hurt or great anxiety. The Holy Spirit would have us unite and work together at all levels in our society in a selfless spirit of sharing and care for everyone. God bless and a happy New Year to one and all. Le gach dea-ghuí í gcomhair na hAthbhliana. Go mbeadh síochán áthas agus grá I do shaol.
Bishop Ray Browne Diocese of Kerry New Year 2020
Bishop Ray Browne
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Mary ditches medication after three stone weight loss Not only is one local woman thrilled to have lost over three stone – but is ecstatic to ditch the medication and life in a wheelchair.
CHARITY CALENDAR: Local amateur photographer Chris Grayson has launched his second charity calendar in aid of St Marys of the Angels. Photo: Michelle Crean
Charity calendar to raise funds for St Mary of the Angels
| By Michelle Crean Mary Cronin (65) from Park Road was almost fully insulin dependent and nearly confined to a wheelchair full-time but is now walking straighter and has ditched the medication after her dramatic weight loss. Ten months ago Mary joined Marie O’Sullivan’s Slimming World group in Hotel Killarney and says the change in her life is phenomenal. “The change is absolutely amazing, I never thought I’d see the day,” Mary told the Killarney Advertiser. “I was bent over and I had Type 2 diabetes and they were going to make me fully insulin dependent. Three years ago I had to retire as a carer with the HSE and was told I was to use a wheelchair full-time. Since losing the weight I have
| By Sean Moriarty
NEW LEASE OF LIFE: Mary Cronin (65) from Park Road was almost fully insulin dependent and nearly confined to a wheelchair until she lost over three stone with Slimming World. Photo: Michelle Crean
seen my health improve one hundred percent. It has changed my life.” Now she says she has a new lease of life for her 15 grandchildren and enjoys so-
cialising more. “I tried other groups but it didn’t work out. With SW it’s the friendships and they’re all there to support each other.
FUNDING: Launching the support fund were from left: Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Michael Gleeson, Angela McAllen (Manager, Killarney Municipal District), Sean Coffey (Principal, St Brendan’s College), Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, Cllr Donal Grady, Jean Courtney (Killarney Micro Track), Brid Stack (Killarney Micro Track), Eileen O’Donoghue (Killarney Municipal District Officer), Cllr Niall O’Callaghan, Jerry Griffin (Co-ordinator Killarney Micro Track), Con Lynch (Killarney Micro Track). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Applications open for Killarney Community Support Fund Community Groups in Killarney are being invited to apply for the 2020 round of the Community Support Fund. Countywide, supports of €750,000 are available to community-based pro-
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jects and initiatives. In the six years since its inception the Kerry County Council Community Support Fund has provided funding of €3.5m to community groups and projects across the county. In Killarney Municipal District, projects
which have benefitted from support through the Killarney Community Support Fund include the Killarney Micro Track as well as many community group projects such as Killarney Tidy Towns, Christmas lighting in towns and villages in the Killarney Municipal District, and
A beautifully presented calendar depicting the scenery and wildlife of Kerry has gone on sale to raise funds for St Mary’s of the Angels Parents and Relatives Association. Snapped by well-known Glenbeigh-based amateur photographer Chris Grayson, who is also a care assistance at the Beaufort facility, it features one photograph per month showing either a well-known landscape, animals or birds that populate the local landscape. This is Grayson’s fourth time producing a nature calendar and second time selling it to raise funds for St Mary of the Angels. “I just wanted to do something for the fabulous place I work,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “I have been there nine years and it is a wonderful career.” Copies of the calendar are €12 or two for €20 and can be brought directly from Chris on 087 3508444.
Kilcummin Looking Good. In particular, the Community Support Fund has allowed key strategic projects to leverage additional grant funding from other sources. For 2020, the fund will target funding under five categories of support: Growing and Sustaining Communities, Community Tidy Towns Initiatives and Amenity Projects, Community Sport and Physical Activity Programmes, Community Economic Innovation, and Community Based Tourism, Festivals and Events. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday, January 20 and application forms may be downloaded from the Council’s website. Further information is available from Kerry County Council’s Community Department at 066 7183680.
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Drone technology for search and rescue group Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT), who responded to 38 callouts and assisted 49 different people last year, plan to use drone technology for future search and rescue operations. A new report issued by KMRT details the efforts the 35 volunteer members dealt with in 2019, and highlighted some of the future plans of the organisation. “Approximately half of these occurred over the busy summer months,” KMRT PRO Colm Burke, said. “The callout profile has ranged widely, from fall injuries
and medical assistance to casualty location and recovery operations. The majority of the callouts have occurred in the McGillycuddy’s Reeks with a number of callouts on the Beara and Dingle Peninsulas also.” In total the team spent 4,300 operational hours on the mountains last year including 2,000 rescue hours. The oth-
er 2,300 hours were spent training. “Team training hours have increased in the past 12 months with the addition of new training modules on drone operation and 4x4 driving techniques, along with regular training in the core competencies of first aid, casualty care and evacuation, technical ropework, navigation and radio communications. 2019 also saw the team involved in a number of inter-agency training operations and emergency simulations on Skellig Michael,” he added. Unfortunately two people lost their
lives on Kerry mountains last year and that has prompted KMRT to issue a warning ahead of the busy winter climbing season. “With the short winter days, cold weather and dark skies, it's more important than ever to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out on the mountains,” Colm said. “As the winter sets in, there are a few key safety considerations for those heading into the mountains. Make sure you start your walk or climb early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for rapid changes in the weather too. Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don't forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day. Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.”
Local chefs take on vegan challenge Chef Chad Byrne and the kitchen team at The Brehon, Killarney are busy preparing post festive feel good food to kick start the new decade. Chad, a champion of plant-based food, is leading the Veganuary charge in Killarney by offering his customers the opportunity to taste incredibly tasty and healthy vegan and plant-based options. “The concept of Veganuary or going vegan for the month of January began in 2014 and has since swept across the nation,” explains Chad. Chad went vegan last year and loved the challenge. He believes that he learnt more during this period of cooking than at any other time in the last decade. He has even convinced two of his team, Dan Moynihan and Abraham Nur, to take
part in Veganuary. “I knew I needed to go full circle in order to learn as much as possible about what we're providing on our vegan menus. It’s great that I have company in the kitchen this year,” Chad, who was last week named the Irish Examiner Food Hero of the Year 2019 for his work with Chef Collab, said. “I’m hoping to get more people interested in trying and exploring plantbased foods and bring awareness to the abundance of choice we have.” He added that it used to be hard to be a vegan working in a commercial kitchen but now around 20 percent of their menu is plant based. “We have a big plant-based customer base. We are known already for having vegan and vegetarian menus and we love to experiment with new produce and flavours.”
VEGANUARY: Local chefs plan to take on a vegan challenge this month. From l-r were: Exec Chefs, Rory Gabriel (Great Southern Killarney), Cyril Durand (Dromhall Hotel), Abraham Nur (The Brehon), John Drummond (Gleneagle) and Chad Byrne (The Brehon).
The Brehon will be offering vegan specials every day throughout January in both The Brehon Bar and Danú Restaurant. Then on Saturday, January 25, Chad along with a number of guest
vegan chefs will create a special five course tasting menu. Tickets for this special evening cost just €45. To book visit www.thebrehon.com or call 064 66 30700.
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Mayor calls on Government to fund specialist nurses The Mayor of Killarney has called on the HSE to pay the salaries of the four specialist nurses employed nationally by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). At the December monthly meeting of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Gleeson said that the nurse’s work is absolutely vital for the people with the degenerative disease, that they save the State some considerable cost in hospital and nursing care, and they afford assistance and relief to the immediate relatives and carers. Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord and
impedes the transmission of messages from the brain to the muscles. The sufferers ability to breathe, walk, talk, eat, drink etc can be gradually diminished. “The four specialist nurses have a vitally important role in assisting the approximately 360 sufferers at any one time in this country,” Cllr Gleeson said. “It is very sad that the funding for the four wonderful nurses depends totally on voluntary donations. The fourth nurse was recently employed as a result of the money raised by Fr Tony Coote, who died in August 2019 aged 55, on his round Ireland wheelchair journey. I call on Government to allocate the cost neutral finance to the MNDA to allow for the salary payment for those vitally important nurses.”
HOLLYWOOD HERE I COME: Killarney teen Olamide Ojegbenro has his eyes firmly set on Hollywood. Photo: Michelle Crean
Local teen has eyes set on Hollywood
Filmmaking has become a huge passion for one local teen – so much so that he is planning a Hollywood career. | By Michelle Crean Leaving Cert student Olamide Ojegbenro (18), known as Ollie, is keeping his eyes close to his books in the coming months – but he tells the Killarney Advertiser this week how setting up a local young filmmakers group is all about helping young people battle common issues such as bullying and mental health. Killarney Young Filmmakers was formed in September and so far over 20 young people have been hard at work filming different scenes for their self-written films around the town. “I love making films because I consider myself a storyteller,” Ollie, whose mom is Nigerian born, said. “I try to tell a story in a way through young people. I went through bullying myself and it affected my mental health which is one reason I set up the group.” However, filmmaking was never something he considered seriously before as he saw himself working as something totally different. “I never wanted to become a filmmaker, I wanted to be a pilot – but I had this passion for storytelling. Three years ago I started a YouTube channel and also set up a podcast.
Ollie, who is inspired by Hollywood star and Killarney man Michael Fassbender, wrote a script in Irish about a broken home called ‘Briseadgh’ and is hoping it’ll be featured in the Kerry and Galway film festivals, ‘Fresh’ in Limerick and ‘First Cut’ in Cork. He also won an award for ‘Vantage’, a documentary filmed in Killarney about reusable clothes. So it came as no surprise when Ollie won the Young Irish Film Bursary at the National Youth Film School in August. “It was cool. I met the top 10 Irish filmmakers in Ireland. I want to go to Hollywood but why not make our own industry in Killarney. There’s a buzz taking a film from concept to the final film – to see it on the big screen gives me goose bumps.” He added that the group receives good support from Killarney Library, but as they’re a self-funded group he’s hoping that Kerry County Council would help with future projects. “We’ve no-where to go really. Killarney Library have been good to us. We’re working off no budget mostly. We’d like to get people from the industry to hold workshops and for that we need funding.”
ANCIENT BLESSINGS: Druid Jan Tetteroo welcomes the Winter Solstice with musicians, Derry and Rosie Healy. Photos: Valerie O’Sullivan
Celebrating ancient blessings Druid Jan Tetteroo recently welcomed the Winter Solstice with musicians Derry and Rosie Healy. Over 200 people gathered to celebrate in song, dance and ancient blessings at the summit of the Paps of Anú, to celebrate the Winter Solstice 2019 in aid of
Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care. The sacred summits, ‘The Paps of Anú’ are known as ‘The Paps’ in the Derry Na Saggart Mountains close to the Cork/Kerry border. The Paps have long been associated with mythology, mystic and majesty. The Goddess Anú represents all that is earthly fertile, abundant and protective.
GOT A STORY? CONTACT MICHELLE CREAN E: editor@killarneyadvertiser.ie M: 086 1023233 • T: 064 6632215
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VIEWS NEWS Killarney experiences post-Christmas boom “ ON
Columnist ANNE LUCEY gives her take on happenings in Killarney, Kerry and beyond
Killarney has had one of its busiest “Twixmases” ever – thanks largely to domestic visitors and day trippers, with queues and long waits at some of the town’s more popular restaurants each lunchtime since St Stephen's Day, according to a number of locals and observers trying to get into places like the Plaza and Reidy’s for a spot of lunch. This year the period between St Stephen’s Day and New Year, increasingly known as “Twixmas”, may well be expected to be a record. UK visitors have also been noticeable this Christmas on the roads and in the restaurants.
RESEARCH
Cork cars were everywhere. In line with recent research into tourism in Killarney, presented in December by the Kerry County Council tourism unit, Cork seems to be the source of most of the domestic market coming to Killarney. That research found that some 26.5 percent of the 1.1m domestic visitors to Kerry in 2018 were from Cork, followed by Dublin at just over 18 percent. Muckross Road hotelier Tom Randles said the annual Christmas festival and
ice rink along with the car jaunting sleigh rides and walking events meant there was “activity all the time” in Killarney. Spectacular Christmas parades, part of the annual Christmas in Killarney festival from the end of November, proved a huge draw each weekend for families. And for adults, I watched Santa Claus myself emerge from Mackey’s old yard on his giant sleigh on the last Saturday before Christmas in the freezing fog and was so impressed I forgot about the cold!
TRAFFIC
However, for 2020, can we do something about the other kind of traffic, ie the non-sleigh kind in this town? There is no excuse for the lack of traffic flow as people go about their ordinary business experience just because there are
This year the period between St Stephen’s Day and New Year, increasingly known as “Twixmas”, may well be expected to be a record.
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Blue Pool’s remarkable transformation THE
10 more cars in town and a few dozen parking spaces have gone to make way for the ice rink. It needs to be on someone’s agenda and the councillors and the chamber need to sit down with officials and come up with a plan - a concrete plan this time, not a study which can be shelved and not taken down again for another five years. The Deerpark situation was so bad, several of those opposed to the exit by the fire station and or Gaelscoil must surely now be rethinking their original objections! I believe this change of mind may well be the case!
New Year resolves For people too fixated on January 1 as the date of change and resolution, it might be comforting to remember that you really have until January 6 as this is the old 12 days of Christmas. The lead up starts before Halloween, so the end should be stretched too. Then again there is some suggestion that the period between the two equinoxes – ie December 21 and the March equinox is a natural extension. In some countries people still wish each other a Happy New Year out in March. The New Year Resolution is a funny thing to make out, but it is nice to feel there can be a beginning and an end to things too.
Blue Pool’s remarkable transformation
There has been a remarkable transformation in the Blue Pool – called of course after the copper which gives the blue to the water of the pool itself, that used be a favourite of kingfishers.
It is sad to see how it ever got to the stage choked with rhododendron, but at least now there is much clearance and most of the rope for the visually impaired has been reinstated and a bridge partly replaced too. I was intrigued to see how as the rhodo leaves are fading, some of the natural under canopy of holly is returning - only in spots, mind you - but it is coming back despite the deer which have become a pest in Killarney. Just like the seals in Dingle denuding the fish, there are way too many deer chewing the forest floor here. Neither seal or deer have any natural predator here and must be managed, i.e. their
populations must be kept down. We will shortly have no woods as we will have no undergrowth.
RAGWORT
Perhaps the reason you have some kind of growth of natural forest in the Blue Pool is the fine grazing land – albeit full of ragwort – just opposite where a hundred or so reds lie about for most of the day. People have suggested to me that it is ragwort, not lack of copper, that is making the deer sick in Killarney? The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has said the reason a stag with stunted horns and other deer are staggering around is because of a lack of copper in the diet. Their findings are being questioned by deer watchers who are attributing the distressing condition to “staggers” or a fungus on rye grass. I am with them on this as I can’t see how deer in an area
where tap water runs blue from copper can suffer from copper deficiency. The final chapter hasn’t been written yet and further tests are being carried out, the Department says, but I wouldn’t rule out the "buachalán bui" yellow ragwort theory by observant locals quite yet.
PURPLE RHODODENDRON
Meanwhile, the purple rhododendron up in Mangerton is rife and perhaps after the Blue Pool the Men’s Shed, the Meitheal and others might look at the Scots Pine forest. Already it is chewed to the floor and what isn’t taken by the deer is disappearing under what is now a canopy of rhododendron. It is bad there at the moment and needs to be on somebody’s radar. There is more to be done with the Blue Pool and a particular irritant remains: the state of the paths. It would be impossible to walk relying only with the
rope aid given the state of the uneven surface and build-up of pebbles and mud in one large part. The paths around Muckross House are simply a disgrace, thick with leaf and other mould and the odd horse and dog dropping! Most of the work in the Blue Pool has been undertaken by volunteers. Is it too much to ask for the New Year that a regular cleaning operation be put in place for all the cycle and walking paths in Muckross, and that the paths up around the Mangerton forest can be given a clearing and a surface dressing? I compare the State effort, be it Council or State Department in Tralee with what goes into Killarney and the State simply does not measure up in this town. I intend to keep saying it in 2020 until I hope I can be refuted.
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Open Day at IT Tralee Kerry Sports Academy The Kerry Sports Academy at IT Tralee, which is now open to the public for membership and Pay As You Go visits, will hold an Open Day on Saturday, January 11.
CHARITY BALL: Kerry hoteliers raised €5,000 for two charities at their recent ball. Pictured were: Bernadette Randles (Chairperson Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation) with Kerry Mountain Rescue members. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Mixed results for 2019 tourist season
From 12-4pm, members of the public will get to view the Kerry Sports Academy, an 8,400m2 universally accessible sports facility which includes a state of the art gym, 12-metre hydrotherapy pool, aerobics and dance studio and three full size sports halls. “Kerry Sports Academy opened its doors to students, staff and various groups within the community in September 2019 and we’re delighted to extend that to the general public from January,” Hazel Byrne, Manager at the Kerry Sports Academy said. “At our Open Day, people will have the opportunity to see and try all of the facilities at the Academy and avail of special open day offers and prizes.” The gym has more than 30 pieces of Matrix state-of-the-art cardio equipment including upright/recumbent bikes, spin bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, arc trainers, ski ergs, a wide variety of accessible cardio and strength equipment, lifting platforms, Watt bikes, free weights, kettle bells, and slam balls. There’s something for everyone with 20
fitness classes a week which range from beginner to advanced levels classes in our dance/aerobics studios and exercise laboratory including Zumba, Spinning, Boxercise, Kettlebells, Circuit, HIIT, Fit blast, Sweat & Pump, Spin & Sculpt, and many more. All classes are fully inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities. The 12 metre x 6 metre hydrotherapy pool is also now open for public swim slots, children’s swim lessons, a variety of aqua exercise classes and personal hydrotherapy programmes. The temperature in the pool is kept at a constant temperature of 32 – 34 degrees, providing benefits in terms of health, fitness, rehabilitation, mobility and pain relief. The Sport Hall operates as one large sporting arena or separately as three independent multipurpose courts designed for a wide variety of sports and activities. There is also a viewing gallery for approximately one hundred spectators. For more information please visit www.kerrysportsacademy.ie.
Hotels and guesthouses in Kerry are reporting a mixed season after the final figures for 2019 were released just before Christmas. | By Sean Moriarty A decline in the UK market, triggered by Brexit uncertainty, was offset by an increase in visitors from the United States and the domestic market. While almost half of hoteliers (48%) reported an increase in business for the year, just slightly fewer (44%) reported a fall. Business levels from the domestic and US markets remain strong, with 48% of hoteliers reporting increases in the domestic market and 44% of hoteliers reporting increases in the US market. However, the UK market continues to decline. Seven in 10 hoteliers saw a drop-in business from Britain this year, while over half reported a fall in business levels from Northern Ireland. Continued fallout from Brexit and the high cost of doing business remain key concerns for the sector with many highlighting the significant negative impact that escalating insurance costs and local authority rates are having on competiveness. “We continue to face high costs of doing business, which have been compounded by the Government’s decision to increase the tourism VAT in last year’s
Budget,” Bernadette Randles, Chair of the Kerry branch of the IHF, said. “The threat to businesses posed by escalating insurances costs is well documented. Our members are also reporting significant pressure from rising local authority rates.” Hoteliers also reported that recruitment in the sector remains challenging. With one in five hotels planning to increase staffing levels over the next 12 months, Ms Randles welcomed the changes to the employment permits system for workers outside the EU announced this week by Minister Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Meanwhile the Kerry IHF branch made two donations to local charities following its annual ball in the run up to Christmas. Kerry Branch of the Irish Guide Dogs Association received a cheque for €2,000 which was raised at the recent Kerry Hoteliers Ball in The Aghadoe Heights Hotel. Kerry Mountain rescue also benefited on the night and they received a cheque for €3,000.
NEW YEAR'S EVE: Ciara Guerin, Eileen Power, Breda O'Rourke and Jessica Burns enjoying the New Year's celebrations in The Lane Bar at The Ross Hotel, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
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DAY ENROLMENT/REGISTRATION OPEN 6TH JANUARY 2020 (9:30 – 4:00 p.m.) For the following courses. Classes will commence Tuesday 21st & Thursday 23rd January 2020 (unless otherwise stated and number dependant)
CERTIFIED COURSES – LEVEL 5 & LEVEL 6 (Component Certificates Level 5 & 6)
Class times 6:45 - 9:45p.m. Class duration 10 weeks. Safety & Health at Work 5N1794 - Tuesday - €250 Challenging Behaviour 5N1706 - Thursday - €250 (Start date Thursday 30th January 2020) Palliative Care 5N3769 - Thursday - €250 Child Health & Well Being 5N1765 - Thursday - €250 Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 - Tuesday - €250 (Start date Tuesday 14th January 2020) Special Needs Assisting 6N1957 - Thursday - €250 There is an additional €20 QQI Certification Fee (medical card holders are exempt)
TUESDAY ALL CLASSES ARE 7:30 – 9:30 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED Introduction to Sign Language - 6 weeks - €80 Genealogy - 6 weeks - €80 Pilates - 9 weeks (6:15 – 7:15 p.m.) - €60 Pilates - 9 weeks (7:15 – 8:15 p.m.) - €60 Acrylics for Beginners - Start date Tuesday 28th January 2020 Introduction to Interior Design - 6 weeks - €80 Intermediate English - 7 weeks - €90 Spanish (Improvers) - 7 weeks - €90 Improvers Computers - 7 weeks - €90 Introduction to Digital Photography - 7 weeks - €90
THURSDAY ALL CLASSES ARE 7:30 – 9:30 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED Irish - 7 weeks - €90 Tai Chi - 7 weeks (7:30 - 9:00 p.m.) - €80 Spanish (Beginners) - 7 weeks - €90 Gardening with Debbie - 6 weeks - €80 Computers for Absolute Beginners - 7 weeks - €90 Salsa Dancing - 9 weeks (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) - €60 Acrylics for the more Advanced - 7 weeks - €90 (Start date Thursday 30th January 2020) Enrolment closing date 17th January For further information please contact Adult Education Office (064)6632008 or email adulted@killarneycc.ie
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NEWS
3.1.2020
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RENT A DESK: The Box CoWork is an exciting new co-working space in Killarney town centre. Pictured are owners Adrian McCarthy (Grandview Media) and Jennifer Dowling (Work and Organisational Psychologist). Photo: Michelle Crean
Rent work space at The Box CoWork The Box CoWork Killarney is a new co-working space in the centre of Killarney. Opened in September 2019, the space is designed to meet the needs of freelancers, small start-ups, digital tourists and individuals working remotely full or part-time.
Currently The Box occupies three floors of an old coach house on Pawn Office Lane. The building has been carefully developed into an open and comfortable office work space. The building is equipped with meeting rooms, offices, shared work spaces and phone booths. Having tested the waters with just six desks, The Box has grown into three floors, with a final six desks available in January 2020. In addition to these desks, a new meeting room will also
be available to book at an hourly rate by anyone looking for meeting space in Killarney town centre. According to the IDA some 216,000 individuals were working from their home desk for a remote employer last year. In a 2018 report on business communications technology from Blueface, remote working will rival fixed offices by 2025. Co-working spaces offer people an alternative to working at home or renting expensive office space. They also pro-
vide a community and great opportunities for networking. Currently members of The Box community include those working in a range of industries from pharmaceutical to engineering to marketing and consulting. The Box CoWork is owned and run by Adrian McCarthy of the video production company - Grandview Media based in Killarney, and Jennifer Dowling a Work and Organisational Psychologist with Vitae Consulting Cork, working remotely from Killarney. They say Killarney is in a prime position to market itself as an ideal base for those wanting to work partially or fully remote. “We have great transport links and we
are only an hour away from Cork for those who only need to be in the office a few days a week,” Jennifer said. “Best of all Killarney offers a quality of life that is hard to rival. Great schools, a beautiful National Park, a vibrant community and affordable housing are just some of what makes Killarney a great place to work and live.” Anyone interested in taking a fixed desk space, monthly at a rate of €200 in The Box or using or hot desk for €20 per day, office, meeting room on a daily or short term basis, should check out www.theboxcowork.com or email hello@theboxcowork.com.
If you'd like to feature in our BUSINESS OF THE WEEK Contact us on: 064 6632215 or sales@killarneyadvertiser.ie
TD calls for overhaul of Kerry service A Kerry TD is calling on HSE for an urgent overhaul of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) in Kerry, which has an approximate waiting time of two years. Michael Healy-Rae said that it’s a crisis in waiting and needs serious and immediate investment and support. “I have raised these issues with Minister
Jim Daly and have called for an urgent overhaul and investment into these services to ensure that young people will receive the care and attention that they need in a timely fashion,” he said. “CAHMS in Kerry provides an excellent service but they are struggling because of lack of interest from HSE management and a minister who quite simply does not care about services in Kerry.”
John and Eileen Murphy, Agnes and Gary Roche enjoying the New Year's celebrations in The Lane Bar at The Ross Hotel, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
3.1.2020
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3.1.2020
Highland games a first for Killarney
| Dan O’Connor
Conor Myles and Dan O’Connor Partners of Terence F. Casey & Company Solicitors, 99 College Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry would like to take this opportunity to wish all of their clients a Happy New Year. As we head into a new year we look forward to assist our clients and any new clients for all and any issues of a legal nature or however we might be able to assist into the future. Terence F. Casey & Company, Solicitors, is one of the longest established Legal Practices in Killarney.
PRACTICE AREAS INCLUDE: Personal Injury
Conveyancing
Purchase and Sales
Landlord and Tenant Law
Commercial Law
Criminal Law
Wills and Probate
Licencing
Medical Negligence
Killarney Town Twinning Association, in conjunction with Scottish Masters Athletics International, will host the Masters World Championships (MWC) for the traditional Scottish Highland Games next June - the first time the event will take place in Ireland. | By Sean Moriarty From June 6-10, Killarney Convention Centre will feature such iconic Highland Games events like hammer throwing and the sheaf toss. The MWC is an annual amateur competition with the location being determined by application from host organisations of highland games sites across the globe and the locations of the competitions are determined by the SMAI. The MWC competition is open to all athletes over 40 years of age with proper qualification as determined by the SMA. Last year’s games took place in Arkansas in the United States and while other European cities like Stuttgart in Germany and Hafnarfjörður in Iceland. “This is actually organised from America but we have contacted the organisers
through our twining committee with Springfield in Illinois,” Killarney Town Twinning Association Chair Sean Counihan told the Killarney Advertiser. “This is two or three years in the planning and while it is usually held in September, with input from the Gleneagle, it was agreed to run it the week after BikeFest.”
REPRESENTATION FOR ALL COURTS INCLUDING: District Court
Circuit Court
High Court
Courts of Appeal
Employment Law
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Also available by appointment
at 66 Main Street, Castleisland, Co. Kerry
CHRISTMAS VISIT: Garveys Tralee Warriors took time out to visit Lucy Moynihan from Rathmore in the children's ward at UHK on Christmas morning. Pictured were: Daniel Jackobitas, Andre Berry, Ivan Bogdanovic and Pa McCarthy. Photo: Joe Hanley
| Terence F. Casey & Company | Solicitors
(Incorporating Michael C. Casey, Solicitor)
99 College Street, Killarney, County Kerry Phone: 064-663 2516/663 2991 Fax: 064-663 2248 Email: info@tfcasey.ie
FIRST CHRISTMAS: Santa’s little helpers cousins Eabha Sheehan, Conor Murphy and Molly Dennehy enjoying their first Christmas together.
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3.1.2020
Theresa Clare, Laura Byrne and Keara Butterly enjoying the New Year's celebrations in Reidy's Bar, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Tracy Fitzpatrick, Stephen Shine, Fiona Taylor and Gabrielle Abrahomitz enjoying the New Year's celebrations in The Celtic Whiskey Bar on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
New Year celebrations in Killarney
Killarney town was busy with New Year revellers on Tuesday night. Our photographer Eamonn Keogh was out and about and captured the atmosphere as they said goodbye to 2019 and welcomed 2020!
Regina Byrne and Kathleen Fitzpatrick enjoying the New Year's celebrations in The Liquid Lounge in The Killarney Grand Hotel on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Grainne Cronin, Grainne Fitzgibbon, Louise O'Sullivan, Cassandra Reen and Sophie O'Sullivan (seated), with Melissa Cournane, Fiona O'Sullivan and Anita O'Sullivan at the New Year's celebrations in The Liquid Lounge in The Killarney Grand Hotel on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Sophia, Sarah, India and Claudia Burton in The Ross Hotel, Killarney for New Year's Eve on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Kelly O'Connell and Claire Hourihan enjoying the New Year's celebrations in Reidy's Bar, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Noreen Fleming, Robyn Corcoran, Niamh Kavanagh and Olivia Casey enjoying the New Year's celebrations in Scotts Hotel, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
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Available late evenings and weekends. “Treharnephysio” on Instagram Sam Treharne MISCP Activate Fitness Unit 2, Whitebridge, Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry. Tel: 089 4228493 Email: treharnephysio@outlook.com “Treharnephysio” on Facebook
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3.1.2020
New Year Resolutions Seeking Inspiration For A Year To Remember?
It’s the question on everyone’s lips each January – what’s your New Year’s resolution? We got the inside track on some of the aspirational promises people have been making to themselves in Killarney and beyond this week. “I want to get healthier by going to the gym and give up my passion for chocolate.” Gaye Manifold
“I hope to take up pitch and putt again, as I’ve been unable to play due to illness. It keeps me young.” Sheila O’Donoguhue
“I hope next year is better than last year, and I have a more postive outlook with my thinking.” Mike Osborne
“To stop talking so much.” Sean Roche (left) “I hope to have more time for myself.” Mary Roche (centre)
“I hope I win the Lotto, and get married again.” Patrick Randles
“To be more organised.” Sinead Coffey (left) “To get fit and feel a lot healthier.” Tracy O’Sullivan (right)
“I hope I stop having such a sweet tooth.” Connor Roche (right)
“My resolution is to be more aware of living in the moment because that’s the only thing promised to us. I want to go into this year clear-headed enough to take the risks that will help me reach my goals more efficiently.” Aaron Jackson, Scotts Lakers
“My New Year’s resolution is to stop committing to fantasy football.” Conor Keane, Killarney Legion
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HEALTH & FITNESS Advice - By Brian Foley Brian is available for advice and fitness consultations, Call 087 403 0894 or email info@activate.ie • www.activate.ie
Don’t feel overwhelmed when it comes to fitness Don’t feel overwhelmed if you want to start a fitness program, you can start slowly and still see results. In fact, starting slowly is exactly what you should do. The worst thing you can do is go full bore into 2020, buy into the ‘New Year New Me’ thing and overwhelm yourself. The best thing you can do is find out what you enjoy and make a habit of it. To get fitter you need to work out two to five times per week. Resistance training should be included as well as some aerobic work. This really shouldn’t be boring, if it is, will you still be doing it come May, June etc? Boring to me is staring at a screen of a treadmill or other machine for extended periods of time in solitude. Enjoyable for me is working aerobically in a group environment or outdoors and having a social
aspect to my resistance training where I get to enjoy the experience with others. If you enjoy solitude and using a machine for extended times in a gym setting, then that’s cool. You keep doing that. But if you’ve tried that in the past, and you’re reading this wondering “how can I get fit”, well then that method has failed you and it’s time to try something new. There are fitness professionals out there who can help guide you to make the best choice for you. Yes, there are also cowboys out there who will just sell you what they have, but you will know the difference when you see it. If I want to have my house wired, I find out who the best electrician is, I meet them and talk about the job. I don’t just go to the closest electrician I can find the one who is just readily available, I find the one who can do the best job for my needs. Your fitness is no different.
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ART COMPETITION: The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Photo: Mac Innes Photography
2020 Texaco Children’s art competition launched The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Last year four students from Kerry won prizes in the event which is now in its 66th year and widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland.
The closing date for entries is Friday, February 28, 2020 with judging to take place in March. Winners will be announced in mid-April, with prize-giving to follow in May. Details are available through Texaco service stations and online at www.texacochildrensart.com.
REVIEW
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2019
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JANUARY
REVIEW 2019
3.01.2020
Killarney video gets 2m online views An impromptu trad session on a Ryanair flight involving Killarney students - has taken off online with almost 2 million views - after a video was posted on Tuesday.
FUNDS: Time is of the essence to raise €180,000 for specialist cancer treatment abroad for Killarney man Ross Hurley, who is pictured with his wife Nina.
Killarney man fights rare form of cancer
| By Michelle Crean A Killarney man battling a very rare form of pancreatic cancer faces an uncertain future without specialist life-saving treatment - at a staggering cost of €180,000. To give 38 year-old Ross Hurley, who is originally from St Brendan’s Terrace, Killarney, any chance of survival, he has to undergo a radical new treatment in Bangkok as soon as possible. Ross and his wife Nina, who now both live in Callinafercy, need to urgently raise the first round of funding, a to-
tal of €32,000 to cover his first round of treatment and accommodation abroad. “Time is of the essence and we need these funds so as to move forward and give Ross a greater chance at life,” his wife Nina told the Killarney Advertiser this week. Ross had been sick and feeling off for months but multiple trips to the doctor, hospital and scans revealed nothing. “The fundraising will be on a long term basis. To donate to www.gofundme.com/ manage/help-raise-treatment-fundsfor-Ross.
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER REVIEW 2019
Call for safety measures outside Fossa School A serious or even fatal accident is inevitable unless urgent safety measures are put in place – concerned parents and staff at one Killarney school said this week. Up to 300 pupils and their parents are regularly taking their life in their hands at drop off and pick up times as they negotiate crossing the busy N72 Killarney to Killorglin road to get to Fossa National School. They are now calling on Kerry County Council to act quickly and put safety measures –
such as pedestrian crossing – in place. The issue has been ongoing for years, principal Pat Clifford explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week. “We’re highlighting this for a long time,” he said. “You’re just watching there in the morning with your heart in your mouth. Kerry County Council said that it will work with the school and its Board of Management to ensure, as reasonably practical, the safety of all road users at this location.
URGENT: Parents, children and staff say a pedestrian crossing is urgently needed before someone is killed or seriously injured outside Fossa School.
Students from St Brendan’s College Killarney, broke into music, song and dance whilst on a return flight home - following their Britain’s Got Talent Auditions in the London Palladium on Sunday. Allowed to take some of their instruments on board the flight - the elated
boys - who received a standing ovation from the 2,000 strong crowd - had been on a high. But their happiness soared even more after they got home and realised Tuesday that their video had gone viral. The boys, a mix of first to sixth years and their teachers Mish O’Donoghue and Niamh O’Connell, were shocked to discover the 1 minute and 46 long video had received almost a quarter of a million views within four hours of Ryanair staff posting the video on their Facebook page.
Lewis Junction safety works planned for 2020 Upgraded works at the Lewis Road Junction which will include a new roundabout - are to go ahead – but it’ll take a least another year. Serious accidents and loss of life has occurred on the busy road, which sees over 18,500 vehicles pass through every day. It has a current speed limit of 100kph and is deemed one of the most dangerous in Kerry. Just this Monday afternoon, a motorist was caught up in
an accident as the driver tried to exit the Upper Lewis Road out onto the busy bypass. According to Kerry County Council the Part 8 Public Notice for the proposed works at this location will be published this month. On completion of this process, the land acquisition process for the necessary lands will be commenced and it is hoped to have the lands acquired and to have the Construct Contract procured by the end of 2019 with the works being carried out in 2020.
NEW YEAR BABY: The first New Year's Day baby born in University Hospital Kerry is from Killarney! Baby Nicolas Sroczynski was born on the January 1, 2019 at 7.40am weighing 7Ibs and 5 oz, to parents Sandara Sroczynski, who works in the Kings Court Hotel Killarney, and Wojtek Sroczynski, who works in the Fáilte Hotel.
“Save St Finan’s from decay” Local councillor hits out at the HSE | By Michelle Crean A Killarney councillor has this week hit out at the HSE to make up its mind on their future plans for St Finan’s Hospital. Councillor Michael Gleeson says the HSE needs to clarify its plans for the iconic building – which he says is in a
serious state of decay – and give the people of Killarney hope for its future. Frustrated by the lack of answers over the last decade, Cllr Gleeson once again raised the issue at Monday’s Council meeting in Tralee. Set on 30 acres of land, the mid 20th century hospital - which was originally named the Killarney District Lunatic
Asylum - housed over 1,100 patients. This week he told the Killarney Advertiser that it’s a disgrace that the historic building which has dominated Killarney skyline since 1852 – is lying idle. He said that there are multiple ways of developing the facility including public private partnership. “It is very sad that it is simply standing there idle and forlorn for quite a few years,” Cllr Gleeson said.
FEBRUARY
“Killarney Town Council members tried for many years to extract some answers from the Southern Health Board, and later the HSE, regarding the future of the building and its attached land. But all in vain.” He said that in his time he has suggested that it could be an ideal location for apartments for the elderly, especially for people who might wish to move from the country closer to town. The Council told the meeting that they are continuing to engage with the HSE on the matter and will revert to the members should there be any developments.
Council wants views on Plunkett St pedestrianisation Kerry County Council is encouraging the general public to have their say on last year’s Plunkett St pedestrianisation trials. Our artist's impression of the new Áras Phádraig which was proposed in this publication in 2017.
Report recommends multi-purpose facility for Áras Phádraig site A new report which recommends a multi-purpose facility for Áras Phádraig site – which this publication proposed two years ago - is a very welcome addition to the town. In 2017, our team here at the Killarney Advertiser designed an artist's impression for this site and we got a very positive response. We’re delighted to hear that the voice of the community is being heard. A feasibility study and business plan for the site in Killarney has been completed following an extensive consultation and review process undertaken by the Killarney Municipal District of Kerry County Council. The report, completed by Exodea
Consulting, recommends the devel opment of a new integrated multi-purpose facility on the existing Lewis Road site. The core components of a new multi-use facility which would replace the existing facility would include: a contemporary arts and theatre space with rehearsal, exhibition and gallery facilities, meeting rooms to be made available for a range of community uses, an educational space to accommodate the provision of training and skills courses and office space to suit the particular needs of Killarney town. A key recommendation is that any new facility should be financially self-sustaining and remain in the ownership of Kerry County Council.
The Killarney Municipal District of Kerry County Council is inviting submissions, comments or observation by Friday, February 22. In 2018, Plunkett Street was closed to traffic between the hours of 11am and 7am, seven days a week, on a tri-
al basis, from Saturday, March 31 to Monday, April 9, both dates inclusive, Friday, May 11 to Monday, May 21, both dates inclusive and from Friday, June 29 to Monday, September 3, both dates inclusive. Kerry County Council is now encouraging everyone including local businesses, community groups and the general public to have their say on how the pedestrianisation trials operated.
Killarney doctor plans to join next week’s national GP protest A Killarney doctor, who says the health service is in crisis, plans to take part in a major protest with hundreds of other GPs outside the Dáil next week. Dr Michael Moloney from Killarney Medical Centre, says GPs are stressed out, overworked, and working with limited Government resources. The National Day of Action by GPs, which is being organised by the National Association of GPs (NAGP), will take place almost a week after thousands of nurses nationally, including 400 in Kerry, went out on strike. The future survival of the GP service is vital to enable it to serve patients and the issue affects whole communities around Ireland, explained Dr Moloney, who set up his practice
Dr Michael Moloney
seven years ago, with Dr O’Doherty. “The issue here is that the NAGP have called for a national day of protest amongst GPs in relation to the working environment and the stresses put on general practice,” Dr Moloney told the Killarney Advertiser. “You can ask any GP across the country about the impact the successive cuts have had - you’ll hear the same thing from everyone.”
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“It’s the worst it’s ever been” Locals say noise levels from nearby road are unbearable | By Michelle Crean
RALLY: Pictured at a Rally of the Lakes Promotional Day from l to r: Dermot Healy (Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes COC), Cormac Casey (front) (Event Coordinator), Pat Healy (Rally of the Lakes), Josef Fassbender, Tadhg O'Sullivan, Michael Fassbender, Paul Nagle, Kevin O'Donoghue and Derek Lee, (Gleneagle Group) with Ger Neeson and Ritchie Lahiff (Cartell.ie).
Fassbender to tackle epic Molls Gap The Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes received a major boost this week with the announcement that Oscar-nominated-star Michael Fassbender will participate in the May Bank Holiday event. The Killarney native, who starred in ‘12 Years A Slave’, ‘X-Men’ and ‘Steve Jobs’ will be suited and booted competing with an eagerly expected field of 160 rally cars.
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER REVIEW 2019
No stranger to motorsport, Michael successfully competed in two seasons of the North American 488 Challenge and is currently competing with Por-
sche in the Porsche Cup series. Fassbender has also taken up the role of event ambassador, fully committed to increasing the profile of this exciting event and motorsport in general. An avid motorsport fan and a regular competitor on the racing circuits, Fassbender is looking forward to the Rally Ambassador role and supporting his home event. “Since its inception in 1979, the Rally of the Lakes epitomises the essence of Road Racing,” he said. “It is both an honour and a pleasure to be this year’s Rally of the Lakes ambassador.”
Killarney mother celebrates World Down Syndrome Day | By Michelle Crean
Locals in Whitebridge Manor beside the N22 which is just outside their front doors, say the nearby road has become so busy day and night that it’s now hard to get a good night’s sleep. They’re now calling on the Council to install a sound barrier and more importantly to resurface the road which they say is so worn down it’s making the sounds louder. The issue was brought before the Council at a recent meeting in Killarney, as locals, who say they are at their wits end, contacted Cllr Maura Healy-
CARVINGS: Eileen O'Donoghue (Killarney Municipal District Officer) and Cllr John Sheahan (Mayor of Killarney), with Kathleen Foley, Philip Hanafin and Yvonne Quill (Killarney Looking Good/Killarney Tidy Towns Chairperson), with one of the seven wooden carvings located between the Deenagh Cottage and the playground on the Fossa Way in Killarney National Park. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Creative carvings are a new woodland attraction
Next Thursday World Down Syndrome Day takes place across the globe - and one Killarney woman plans to take part to raise awareness and funds. Simone Leahy, whose 20 monthold daughter Emilie has Down Syndrome, is planning a coffee morning in the Cahernane House Hotel next Thursday, March 21, from 10am to 12.30pm. She said both she and her sisterin-law Nicola Browne want to raise awareness of World Down Syndrome Day, and to raise funds towards the Kerry Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. “It’s a world celebration of every person with Down Syndrome and their families,” Simone told the Killarney
Fed up residents in one Killarney estate say that continuous noise levels 24 hours a day from passing trucks and cars are making their lives a misery.
Rae for help. She asked the Council and the TII what progress has been made for a much needed sound barrier to ease residents daily torment and the provision of a crash barrier to ensure residents’ safety, saying that she has had a previous notice of motion over a year ago. Local man Denis Murphy, who has lived in the estate for the last 35 years, says the situation is now the worst it has ever been. He explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week how he remembers the old road being a lot quieter and that the noise has worsened significantly in recent years - as the tar on the road has become so worn down from the constant vehicles. “I’m fully convinced that if they resurface the road it’ll make an awful lot of difference,” Denis said.
If you go down to the woods today – you’ll definitely get a surprise – as some very lifelike animal carvings have been unveiled in Killarney. Simone and Emilie Leahy pictured launching a coffee morning for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. Photo: Michelle Crean
Advertiser this week. “The date is special as it is the 21st day of the third month - which signifies the three copies of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down Syndrome.”
Seven wooden carvings, including a heron, kingfisher, otter, Greenland white-fronted goose, red squirrel, pine marten and an owl, were installed on the Fossa Way between the Deenagh Cottage and the playground. The wildlife were carved by Sol Solomon of Wyrdwood in West Cork and it’s the latest Tidy Towns project for 2019 to highlight the wildlife that surrounds us in the National Park, Yvonne Quill Chairperson of Killarney Looking
Good explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week. “Some of this wildlife such as an owl, red squirrel and a heron can be seen at times within easy reach of the carvings,” she said. “The Tidy Towns committee are hoping to raise awareness with parents and children to watch out for and pay attention to the wildlife we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. The Tidy Towns committee wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund and in installing the sculptures. This vital source of funding allows us to complete such worthwhile initiatives.”
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WARRIORS: Ryan Dewhurst pictured with his mom Danielle O'Brien, Superintendent Flor Murphy alongside Garda Gillian Mac Eoin O'Donoghue and her daughter Ella O'Donoghue.
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LITTLE HERO: Ryan Dewhurst pictured with members of the Gardai at Killarney Garda Station on Monday.
Birthday surprise for Killarney’s little warrior | By Michelle Crean
Two little warriors from Killarney - who battled through complicated life threatening conditions in the same Dublin hospital in 2014 - were reunited for the first time this week. Little Ryan Dewhurst (5), son of Dan-
ielle O’Brien and Dan Dewhurst from Dromhall Park, was one of the longest ever patients in Crumlin Hospital at the time and became the poster boy for the Ronald McDonald House, after he was born with his bowels outside his body. He underwent nine serious operations – the first at just three days old. Little Ella O'Donoghue, who’ll be five
in July is daughter of Garda Gillian Mac Eoin O'Donoghue and Paul O'Donoghue. She also underwent a serious operation - open heart surgery at just nine weeks old. Their moms, both from Killarney, stayed in the Ronald McDonald House at the same time and formed a friendship during one of the most stressful times of their lives. However, last Saturday was magical for Ryan, as he not only received a police bicycle for his fifth birthday - which
he celebrated on Sunday – but brought it to Killarney Garda Station to have it checked over by local Gardai. And the smile and excitement on his face was just priceless, Gillian, who organised the day, explained. “He just adores the Gardai and everything to do with police work, he says he’s going to go patrolling on his new bike to catch bad guys but he will be sure to always wear his helmet when doing so,” Gillian told the Killarney Advertiser.
Fire believed to have started accidentally | By Sean Moriarty Forrest fires in Killarney National Park are putting the entire park and Muckross House at risk well-known local nature lover and Mangerton resident Frank Lewis said this week. 22 firefighters from Killarney and Killorglin Fire Stations battled the flames - which could be seen from miles around - for more than eight hours. The blaze, which destroyed 100 acres of scrublands near Torc Waterfall and the locally known Cardiac Hill, is believed to have started on the Old
Kenmare Road, a popular hiking route on the northern face of Mangerton Mountain, and quickly spread to the Torc Waterfall area. Once the fire was contained near the summit of Mangerton, firefighters left for a short break and returned later on Saturday morning for a further three hours. County fire officials and local Gardai are still investigating the cause of the fire. The burning of dead grasslands is legal between September 1 and February 28. Farmers burn commonage to facilitate the growth of new grass for livestock grazing purposes.
“Critics say film is a star-making role” She’s a Killarney girl at heart but Jessie Buckley’s latest film ‘Wild Rose’ - which hits cinemas tonight - is set to propel the local girl to Hollywood stardom. 29-year-old Jessie, daughter of Tim and Marina, stars in the 15A rated British drama musical film alongside Julie Walters. Locals who want a glimpse of Jessie’s talent on screen can see her in Cinema Killarney this evening (Friday) at 6.40pm and again at 9pm. In the 100 minute long film, which is receiving rave reviews from the critics worldwide, Jessie plays sassy Glaswegian Rose-Lynn, a cleaner with a
criminal record who dreams of going to Nashville and becoming a star. And her family, who are very proud of Jessie’s achievements, say unfortunately she isn’t in town to see the film with them. “Unfortunately she’d love to be here but she’s filming a new Charlie Kaufman film in New York,” Jessie’s dad, Tim Buckley, told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday (Thursday). “It’s a fantastic occasion,” Tim, who will be there with family to see it, said. “It’s a great film that everyone will enjoy with laughter and tears in equal measure. It’s a film which a lot of the critics say is a star-making role.”
FACTS | FIRST EDITION WAS PUBLISHED IN 1973
Miracle kids meet up almost five years later
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CONTRACTS: Cathal O'Brien (Chairman Killarney Micro Track second from left) and Cllr Niall Kelleher (Chairman Kerry Local Action Group) signing the contracts for the Killarney Micro Track at St Brendan's College, Killarney on Monday.
Contracts signed for micro track | By Sean Moriarty
The sod was finally turned for the Killarney Micro Track on Monday evening - with construction confirmed to begin on June 24. The micro track, also known South and East Kerry Community Rural Track project, will be located at St
Brendan’s College, and will benefit up to 2,000 students from nearby schools, athletic clubs, paralympic athletes, Special Olympics athletes and community groups. The committee behind the project still face a shortfall of around €100,000 which they hope to offset with a loan. However, at Monday’s sod-turning
ceremony they received news from Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club (KVCVC) that funds from the club’s annual vintage tractor raffle will go directly towards the micro-track. “The group hope to reduce and indeed even eliminate the loan with help of the community as it benefits all,” committee member Jerry Griffin
said. “The sod turning ceremony was a matter of great pride for the members of the group, who represent such a diverse range of groups from within Killarney life. “Now that people see the facility in construction,” Sean O’Sullivan, Chairman of Kerry Community said, “build it and they will come.”
St Mary of the Angels farm could fetch over €1m KILLARNEY ADVERTISER REVIEW 2019
| By Sean Moriarty A 110-acre farm, which is attached to St Mary of the Angels – could fetch in excess of €1m when sold by public auction later this month. Cllr Brendan Cronin pictured next to one of the new parking machines on High Street. Photo: Michelle Crean
New high tech parking machines are a first for Kerry | By Sean Moriarty Killarney is the first town in Kerry to install 30 new high tech parking metres - at a cost of approximately €230,000 – which will transform how people pay for their parking. 30 of the most modern machines were installed around the town on Monday morning to allow customers pay with their bank cards, while the next phase will allow for payment via text message or online. The machines record detailed data of transactions which can help towards
the town’s parking strategy into the future. The new machines, which came into operation this week, are fully compatible with online and text message payment technology but that part of the modernisation process will have to be put out to tender to select a suitable company to manage the payments. “I was delighted when I was in town the other morning to see the installation of 30 modern parking machines taking place,” Councillor Brendan Cronin, who along with other councillors campaigned for the modern facilities, told the Killarney Advertiser.
However, there was opposition to news of the sale of Whitefield Farm this week as Donie Rua O’Sullivan, who is on the Save St Mary’s of the Angels Committee, said that the farm attached to St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort, should be returned to the people of Kerry and not sold by its
current owner, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. The 110-acre Whitefield Farm was donated by Denis and May Doyle to the order over 50 years ago. Their only daughter, Mary Rose Doyle, joined the order at this time and it was decided by the then Bishop of Kerry, the order and the Doyle family, that the land would be used to found a care centre and home for children with intellectual disabilities. The order operated the home until 2005 when the management of the centre was transferred St John of God Community Services.
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New councillors elected in Killarney
There’ll be two newish faces when business resumes in June – and five of the seven elected councillors are Independent. Maura Healy-Rae (Independent) topped the polls with 3,099 first preference votes, while Michael Gleeson (Kerry Independent Alliance) got 1,983. Both were elected on the first count. Independent Brendan Cronin received 1,505 first preference votes and was elected on the second count, while Fianna Fail’s Niall Kelleher received 1,243 first preference votes and was also elected on the second count. Independent candidate Donal Grady got 1,324 first preference votes and was elected on the third count, while Niall Botty O’Callaghan, who ran as an Independent with a social media and a poster free campaign, got 1,065 first preference votes and was elected on the sixth count. Meanwhile Labour’s Marie Moloney snatched the last seat in a battle with Fine Gael’s John Sheahan.
Of those elected Moloney received the lowest first preference votes with 871, but behind her were Sheahan, Buckley at just 485, and Neily O'Connor Fianna Fail, at 266. It was a tough day for Fine Gael as Mayor of Killarney, John Sheahan, lost his seat on the seventh count - receiving just 827 first preference votes. Fianna Fail are down a councillor and votes with the redrawing of the boundary but also with the exit of John Joe Culloty, while a personal improvement for Kelleher was not impressive. And Fine Gael have none at all. The outgoing Mayor’s loss is a severe blow for Fine Gael in Killarney and questions will be asked now about Fine Gael going into the General Election. Former Mayor Niall Botty O’Callaghan has succeeded, despite not knocking on a single door, or putting up a single poster and going on holidays during the final week of canvassing - while Maura Healy-Rae ran a loud and vigorous canvass. The focus will shift now to the current Mayorship and just who will get it. Will it be poll topper Maura Healy-Rae?
STAR VISIT: Cliona Hagan and Amy Barr pictured with teachers Olwyn Trant and Rhonda Healy and pupils at Holy Cross Mercy School for the launch of the nationwide 'Just Sing Project’. Photo: Michelle Crean
Country music star pops into Killarney school! | By Michelle Crean The excitement was palpable in one school on Monday as talented pupils excitedly worked alongside a country music star during a musical masterclass. Award-winning Irish Country artist Cliona Hagan, who was recently a finalist in RTÉ’s ‘Dancing with the Stars Ireland’, popped into Holy Cross Mercy School on New Road to launch her brand-new music programme, ‘The Just Sing Project’.
The visit is part of a fun, exciting and engaging project for groups of musical pupils, running over five weeks, concluding with a performance alongside Cliona on stage in the INEC Acoustic Club Killarney on October 4, as part of her ‘Dance On’ theatre headline concert tour. Pupils from Third to Sixth class were thrilled to meet the popular singer and excited to learn that they have been selected as the only school in Ireland to open the music concert this coming October.
Niall Kelleher elected Mayor of Kerry | By Michelle Crean
Gleeson new Mayor of Killarney | By Michelle Crean Killarney Councillor Michael Gleeson will today (Friday) be elected as Mayor of Killarney at County Buildings in Tralee. The 73-year-old Kerry Independent Alliance Councillor was offered the position following a Mayoral pack between himself, Fianna Fail’s Niall Kelleher who is the newly elected Mayor of Kerry, Independent Councillor Brendan Cronin, and Labour’s Marie Moloney. It’s believed the position had been offered to Independent Councillor Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan, who refused it. Councillor Gleeson, from Clasheen, Killarney, was recently re-elected to the Killarney Municipal District after securing 1,983 first preference votes.
Cllr Michael Gleeson
He has been involved with Killarney Looking Good and worked on projects such as the Cahersiveen Greenway, the provision of a fully staffed Stroke Unit in UHK and the refund of money to nursing home residents who were wrongly charged by the State.
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Killarney Councillor Niall Kelleher this week said that it’s a huge honour to have been elected Mayor of Kerry. The 33-year-old, who lives in Headford was elected as Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, just weeks into his second term as an elected representative for Fianna Fail. He is the 64th person to occupy the chairperson’s role since the council was established in 1899 and says over the next 12 months’ he plans to not only focus on countywide issues but prioritise Killarney’s biggest problems including parking and traffic, business rates amongst others. On being elected as Mayor, he said it’s “a great honour”. “It’s something a lot of people don’t get in a lifetime,” Cllr Kelleher told the Killarney Advertiser this week. “In politics, you can be lucky, but you also get what you put into it. I intend to leave my own footprint on the role
NEW KERRY MAYOR: Cllr Niall Kelleher has been elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and will serve in the role for the 2019-2020 term. Photo: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus
of Mayor of Kerry.” Speaking about the local election and the results he received he said he was very proud. “Personally, I’m exceptionally proud of my result.” As Mayor of Kerry, he plans to focus on many things, including Greenways, business rates, which he says are draconian, and employment.
FACTS | EARLY YEARS WERE PUBLISHED FROM A SHED IN WOODLAWN
Some topped the polls while others struggled – but the councillors for the Killarney Municipal District have been elected.
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“It’s taking the heart out of our parish” Devastated Kilcummin locals plan to flight parish priest loss | By Michelle Crean
CLOSED: Old Market Lane in Killarney town centre was sealed off by Gardai investigating an alleged assault yesterday (Thursday) morning. Photo: Michelle Crean
Gardai investigate alleged assault Gardai in Killarney closed off a busy laneway in the town centre for several hours yesterday morning (Thursday) following an alleged assault on a female. Old Market Lane was sealed off between the early hours of Thursday morning until around midday. Access to Market Lane, which runs
between Market Cross and the Glebe car park, was not allowed during the forensic examination. “There was an incident there,” Superintendent Flor Murphy of Killarney Garda Station said. “We closed it for a while to investigate. The investigation is on-going as we are trying to establish the full facts into an alleged assault on a female.”
Kilcummin locals who are “utterly devastated” following news this week that they’re to lose their priest – are planning a public meeting tonight (Friday) in a bid to fight the move. Locals learned the news, which they said has left them “deeply shocked” and “bewildered”, at the weekly 7.30pm Mass on Saturday night, with the message again relayed at the 9am and 11.15am Masses on Sunday morning by Bishop Ray Browne that Fr Eamonn Mulvihill, will be moving on with no priest to replace him. Some of the 100 locals, who met on Tuesday afternoon outside the church, told the Killarney Advertiser that the news is a devastating blow to their large community of approximately 2,000 people, which is 11 miles long and five miles wide, has three national schools, two nursing homes with up to 100 elderly people – saying they are one of the best parishes in the county
for church collections. Some who were visibly angry, told the Killarney Advertiser that the Bishop casually and quietly mentioned the loss of the priest during his sermon. Fr Eamonn, locals explained, was brought into the parish two years ago and was only getting to know the parishioners, and also brought a lot of the young people back to the church. They say they are also confused, with the news “a bolt out of the blue” as the presbytery recently got new windows and doors. At tonight’s meeting which is expected to attract hundreds of locals, they will discuss their next move in the community hall at 9pm. “We’ve nothing against anyone, we just want to fight our corner,” Pat O’Sullivan told the Killarney Advertiser. “We heard it last Saturday night. The Bishop came and announced it at Mass and it’s left the whole community in shock. We know to look at our parish priest that he is just devastated - the parish is numb.”
Local councillor calls for boots on the ground KILLARNEY ADVERTISER REVIEW 2019
A local councillor has said it's time to bring in the Army in an effort to quell the on-going feud at a Killarney housing estate. A bitter feud between Traveller families in the Ballyspillane estate took another nasty turn on Tuesday night when up 100 people where engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour. Meanwhile two women were involved in a street brawl earlier in the week. As a result one man and two women have been arrested as part of the Garda investigation in to an on-going feud at the Killarney Estate A man has been arrested and charged under public order offences following another night of tension at Killarney estate. The women are expected to face assault charges. The feud is on-gong for over a year but Cllr Donal Grady says that enough is enough and it is time for the Army to be brought in to control the situation and for Kerry County Council to serve eviction notices on the people living in local authority houses. “It was serious a year ago, the time for huffing and puffing is over,” Cllr Grady told the Killarney Advertiser. “I am
PROTEST: John Foley and Pat O’Sullivan pictured with over 100 Kilcummin parishioners on Tuesday afternoon, who came out to protest their anger at the shock news that the community will no longer have a parish priest. Photo: Michelle Crean
Action on Pawn Office Lane issues | By Sean Moriarty
Cllr Donal Grady
calling for the Army to be brought in to restore peace in the area.” “During the early evening a number of individuals were involved in a verbal exchange,” Sergeant Dermot O’Connell told the Killarney Advertiser. “This escalated into groups, totalling about 100 individuals on the road side of the estate. Gardai stayed at the scene until the early hours of Wednesday morning to ensure the situation did not kick-off again.
Following a report in last week’s Killarney Advertiser residents and property owners in Pawn Office Lane just off Main Street have been promised that action will be taken to eliminate anti-social behaviour on the street. The issues were brought to the Killarney Advertiser’s attention by local landlord Ann McEnery. Following the report, gardai said they would monitor the area more often and a neighbouring business has offered to install CCTV cameras that could also monitor the street.
“The guards contacted me and said they would keep an eye on things there,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “Pat Duggan runs Eager’s news agents across the road and he is looking in to CCTV but the next step is the bins as neither the guards nor the CCTV cameras can see what is going on down the lane as people are hiding behind the bins.” Last week’s Killarney Advertiser reported that sexual acts, binge drinking, drug use and acts of violence and vandalism on the lane were of major concern to residents and business owners on the street and that children were exposed to such acts as they played there.
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Michael and Davy to star in RTE documentary A Killarney youngster who endeared hundreds of thousands on The Late Late Toy Show and met his hero Wexford Hurling Manager Davy Fitzgerald – will appear in an RTE documentary next week.
TV APPEARANCE: Michael O'Brien from Killarney will appear in an RTE documentary next week. Photo: Michelle Crean
Michael O’Brien (11), son of Noreen and Michael, will feature in RTE One’s “When Michael Met Davy’ on Monday, August 5, at 6.30pm. And not only that - Michael exclusively told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday (Thursday) - that Davy rang him yesterday morning – and invited him to watch this Sunday’s Wexford V Tipperary All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final – which will be Michael’s first ever trip to Croke Park. The film crew spent some time with Michael and his family, filmed him giving an inspirational talk to the Wexford team at the Innovate Wexford
Park with the team in February, and his time with Davy. And the St Oliver’s NS pupil said he’s very excited that it’s being aired. “They filmed us for weeks. The lead up to me meeting Davy and it’ll show my inspiring speech to the team,” Michael told the Killarney Advertiser. And he added that he’s very excited about Sunday’s game. “Davy rang and invited me and I’m going to take up the offer. I’m excited and it’ll be my first ever trip to Croke Park. I want to wish the Wexford team the best of luck. They’re one step closer and I have faith they can do it.” His mom Noreen added that she’s very grateful to everyone in the community who support Michael and their family. “I want to say thanks for all the support and everyone who helped get him to where he is today.”
Sean scales Carrauntoohil 10 times in a day! | By Michelle Crean An exhausted Killarney man is resting this week following his impressive Irish record – for running up and down Carrauntoohil 10 times in less than 24 hours. Killarney adventure racer Sean Clifford successfully climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest - reaching heights of 10,000 metres of positive ascent in 23 hours and 53 minutes. Clifford was joined throughout his record breaking quest by fellow Killarney Ultra Runners, Joe O’Leary, Damien
Courtney, Neil Kelders and Harold Clifford, between Friday night and Saturday night last. Sean set about his challenge, on Caher Mountain, on Friday night, running through the night, ascending, Carrauntoohil, Cnoc an Toinne, using the Devil’s Ladder for ascents, and Bothar na Gige (The ’Zig Zags’) for descents. “I knew half way through, at around 6am, that I was not happy with the time,” the Woodlawn native told the Killarney Advertiser. “I knew I would need a big push through the day to make the time and height gain.”
Baby Caden’s dramatic arrival! | By Michelle Crean What an entrance into the world it was for one local baby – who was born in the front seat of his parent’s car in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Ultra Runner, Sean Clifford, from Killarney, set an Irish record reaching the dizzy heights of 10,000m of positive ascent in 23 hours and 53 minutes. Joe O’Leary is pictured behind him. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
Baby Caden couldn’t wait to be born and arrived four days early in his parents Toyota Avensis – minutes after his dad Brendan Cronin pulled into the side of the road in Macroom, on the
way to Cork University Hospital. Weighing in at 6Ibs and 3ozs, both mom Denise and baby are doing fine, Brendan from Tureenamult, Gneeveguilla explained. “He was born at 2.10am,” Brendan said. “It happened so fast. I rang the ambulance and then pulled in and within seven to eight minutes he was born. I was shocked and so was Denise. But they’re both fine thank God.” Big brother Nathan (5) and sister Leah (3) are thrilled with the new arrival.
FACTS | FIRST FREE WEEKLY MAGAZINE IN IRELAND
Killarney man sets impressive Irish record
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Stolen equipment returned to local photographer | By Michelle Crean It’s every photographer’s worst nightmare – having valuable gear stolen – but local Killarney photographer, Konrad Paprocki was this week relieved to have his items returned to him by Gardai.
CENTENARIAN: John Coffey from Lewis Road celebrated his 100 birthday. Photo: Michelle Crean
Konrad, who is well known in the town and beyond for his photographic work – was in a state of disbelief when Gardai contacted him to say they had found his camera, a Nikon Z6 worth €2,500 and a brand new Gimble worth €700. They had been stolen from his car overnight when a number of vehicles were targeted in Muckross Mews in Cahernane Meadows, the weekend before last. A large quantity of power tools and other electronic items were
also stolen and have since been recovered. And with a memory card still inside the camera from a wedding Konrad had shot just hours earlier, he wasn’t hopeful to ever see the images again. “The camera was on the passenger seat and the wallet was beside it,” Konrad told the Killarney Advertiser. “Four cars were robbed that night.” However, he said he knew the couple’s photos were safe as it’s not the only camera he used on the day. “Only 10 percent of the images were on the camera,” he said. “I’ve learnt my lesson. Never leave anything in the car. I never thought it was going to happen to me.” A person has been arrested in relation to these incidents and further arrests are anticipated.
Killarney’s John Coffey became the county’s latest centenarian
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER REVIEW 2019
The Lewis Road resident surrounded by family and friends from all over Ireland, Australia and America who gathered for an enormous party in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, celebrated his 100 birthday. Over 200 family members and friends attended the party where members of the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club’s male choir provided the entertainment. “It was a great that he was able to catch up and reminisce about old times,” said his daughter Mary. “He sang with the choir, Goodbye from the Musical White Horse Inn, a song he would have performed when he was involved in the Tops of the Town. He felt the whole night was an affirmation of his life, he gave a great speech, it lasted 13 minutes, and he had no problem facing the 200 audience. It gave him the confidence to look ahead to many more years, his grandson is getting married in October 2020 and that is the next big milestone for him.” Continuing the celebrations neighbours and friends have organised a Mass for him at the Croke’s Clubhouse on Monday – the day of his actual birthday. Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson, presented the President’s
cheque to him. “That was a very proud moment for him, “ added Mary. “Michael Gleason spoke in a very personal way on how he first met my father around Beaufort. He had two great loyalties, Dr Crokes and Beaufort GAA and it was a source of great pride for him that both teams won All Ireland finals in recent years.” His first job was when he took over the role as a Cottage Rent Collector from his father from 1939 to 1948, cycling from Beaufort back to west Kerry on a daily basis - which he now attributes to his good health and long life. He then took a job in Killarney Town Council as a Community Welfare Officer and built the family home on Lewis Road with his wife Kitty O’Shea from Brandon, who he met on his travels. They had five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. John, who is blessed with a pin sharp memory and good health said that he has witnessed many changes over the years – not all of them positive. He also puts his good health down to family genes as his father died aged 99 and his mother aged 97, as well as the active lifestyle he had as young man cycling to west Kerry and building the family home block by block with local man Batty O’Connor.
RETURNED: Konrad Paprocki, a photographer living in Killarney, had his stolen camera gear returned this week. Photo: Michelle Crean
Killarney ‘Bushman Prank’ goes viral Jimmy Brien’s Bar is now a viral sensation - after their online video of a fake tree came to life and scared unsuspecting passers-by - racking up 52,000 views, 807 shares and almost a thousand comments this week. Last Friday week (August 9) locals and visitors were left shocked as a tree, which looked like it was planted outside the door of the Fair Hill premises, came to life by jumping out in front of
them. It was all part of a promotional video stunt organised by proprietor Alan Breen, who hired a specialist team from Dublin to carry out the fun prank. The popular ‘Bushman Prank’ where a person dressed as a tree spooks unwitting pedestrians never gets old. Alan published the video of the prank on his social media channels on Sunday evening and it has since attracted over 52,000 viewers.
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Fly tipping biggest cause of litter in National Park | By Sean Moriarty That is according to the park’s Conservation Ranger Peter O’Toole, who has been monitoring deer activity in the park for over 30 years. This week he took a photograph of a stag with a plastic rubbish bag trapped in his antlers. It was taken on Saturday, the day after thousands of Killarney students took
part in a climate change rally in the town. Overall, litter is not a huge issue in the park, Mr O’Toole stated. At times of heavy rains, litter and other rubbish tends to get washed down the rivers Flesk and Deenagh and into the lakes. “Wave action on the lakes brings this rubbish to the shore, the issue is fly tipping further up the catchment area,”
he told the Killarney Advertiser. “This is mating or rutting season and deer tend to scrape the ground in frustration so this is the only time of the year you would see something like this. But I have seen it more and more in recent years. I am working in the park since the 1980s and would not have seen this in the past.” Single use plastic bottles are another
growing problem in the park. Once the vegetation starts to thin in the autumn months, bottles that were discarded during the busy summer months become more visible. “We see a lot more plastic than we did in the past,” he added. “But groups like Valley Rowing Club and Lough Lein Anglers volunteer to clean up the lakes shores. “
Local woodwork firm repairs damaged sculptures Vandalised woodwork sculptures in The Demense have been repaired within a day – thanks to a kind-hearted local company.
Pat and Teresa O'Brien outside their home at Hazelwood Drive, where a Ford car was burnt out in the early hours of Friday morning.
“This can’t continue on” – Supt Flor Murphy | By Sean Moriarty Although extra garda patrols have been put in place this week to calm the ongoing disputes in Ballyspillane – local Superintendent Flor Murphy is confident that the issues can be resolved. Another series of public disorder incidents erupted in the estate in the early hours of Friday morning, at approximately 2.30am after two cars were set on fire causing damage to the owner’s homes. No arrests have yet been made.
However, Superintendent Flor Murphy this week told the Killarney Advertiser that he’s confident that the issues can be resolved if those involved could just “step back” stay “calm” and continue with mediation. “We can solve this once and for all,” Supt Murphy said. “We all want this to stop. We’re asking everybody involved to step back, be responsible and law abiding, and think about their families. We’ve extra patrols in place and checkpoints in the area and our investigations are ongoing."
The Leen family, who operate Killarney DIY, came to the rescue and have since repaired two sculptures which were broken along the River Deenagh walk from the bridge on Port Road to Deenagh Cottage. West Cork artist Sol Solomon created the seven works of art that represent a heron, a red squirrel, a kingfisher, an otter, a pine marten and a white-fronted goose which were
installed in March after being commissioned by the Killarney Looking Good Committee with support from Kerry County Council, with the idea to encourage children and members of the public to take an interest in the wildlife in the park. Earlier this week the white-fronted goose and the heron carving were vandalised, the heron’s neck was snapped off and the goose was ripped from it base. “It is heart-breaking,” Killarney Looking Good Chairperson Yvonne Quill told the Killarney Advertiser this week.
REPAIRED: Dan Leen from Killarney DIY has fixed the vandalised wooden sculptures in The Demense. Photo: Michelle Crean
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Fly tipping is the biggest cause of litter in the National Park and it is causing problems for the park’s wildlife.
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New kidney patient facility opens in Killarney | By Sean Moriarty A new holiday house for kidney transplant patients and those on dialysis will officially open today (Friday) in Killarney.
LIVE SAVERS: Fr Kieran O'Brien, Mabel Counihan (KCFR), Denny Murphy, Bridget Delaney (KCFR) and Martin Grady who helped save the life of an American man in St Mary's Cathedral recently. Photo: Michelle Crean
Heroes save man’s life at Mass | By Michelle Crean
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER REVIEW 2019
The life of an American doctor who suffered a major heart attack in St Mary’s Cathedral was saved thanks to the heroic efforts of locals who raced to his aid. Dr Patrick Brosnan from Austin, Texas was visiting Kerry relatives when shocked 10.30am Massgoers heard him loudly gasp as he collapsed in the church on October 13. Locals raced to save him while Fr Kieran O’Brien asked the congregation to pray for the man and his helpers. Denny Murphy from Whitebridge Manor had been sitting behind the man and jumped in to help, followed by Dr Brian McCullagh, a surgeon in the Mater Hospital who was home to Killarney for a few days. Anne Carroll from the Killarney Car-
diac First Responders also happened to be at the Mass that morning as was Martin Grady who also came to his aid. Two rounds of CPR were performed while Fr Kieran anointed Dr Brosnan as he was moments from death. Killarney Cardiac First Responders Mabel Counihan and Bridget Delaney rushed to the church while Anne Lucey ran out for the defibrillator across at O’Shea’s Funeral Home. “I heard a loud gasp and a fall as someone shouted out for medical assistance,” Fr Kieran told the Killarney Advertiser. Using the defibrillator, the man was shocked back to life, before being taken away in an ambulance to University Hospital Kerry where he stayed for 10 days before undergoing a quadruple bypass in University Hospital Kerry. He has since made a full recovery.
The new facility, on the grounds of Killarney Holiday Village on the Muckross Road, will allow patients enjoy a holiday while undergoing treatment or those recovering from a transplant operation. The house will be dedicated to the memory of the late Tom Fleming, the former Chairman of the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association. He died in 2014 after receiving four kidney transplants in his lifetime. The house has been in operation since June but today’s event will mark the official opening of the facility and the
handing over of a cheque from fundraising efforts from the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this year. So far the local branch of the IKA have raised over €180,000 for the facility, mainly through the annual Ring of Kerry Cycle, but fundraising remains on-going to pay for the upkeep of the house and to purchase additional equipment. Back in 2016 the Kerry branch received €176,000 from the cycle and additional events like their annual Ring of Kerry Honda 50 Run helped buy the house. This year’s donation will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the holiday home. The house is furnished to a high standard, most of the fixtures and furnishings were donated by local businesses and local trades people carried out the work.
OFFICIAL OPENING: Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association officers Theresa Looney (Secretary), Connie Brosnan (Chairman) and Debbie Templeton (Treasurer) in Killarney Kidney House, the new Holiday and Respite Centre opened by the Irish Kidney Association. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Keith Barry visits The Chatroom Keith Barry - the world’s leading TV hypnotist, mentalist and brain hacker - paid a visit to The Chatroom to tell editor Michelle Crean all about his upcoming INEC show 'INSANITY' – and hacked her brain! Keith arrived at lunchtime yesterday (Thursday) telling us it was great to be back in Killarney – ahead of his upcoming show 'INSANITY' in the INEC Killarney on January 18, at 8pm. “I love Killarney, I’m here quite a lot even when I’m not working,” he told
the Killarney Advertiser. “I’m back in Killarney with my new show ‘INSANITY’, it’s designed to be my most craziest and most insane show to date. I’m excited and tickets are flying out the door.” On camera Keith dazzled Michelle with some card tricks stunning her with his exact answers before asking her to think of anything random that she’s never drawn before – not specifically stating what the subject should be - and correctly guessed the answer once again.
Killarney students metres away from London terror attack | By Sean Moriarty Teachers and students have this week been praised for remaining calm after getting caught up close to last Friday’s London terror attack on London Bridge. The Leaving Cert class from St Brigid’s Secondary School were on their annual post-Christmas exams trip to the British capital – and just 300 metres away from where the incident
happened – where five people were stabbed, two fatally. However, they managed to get the last Tube out of the area before police shut-down the train service. The attack took place, according to police records, at 1.55pm when perpetrator Usman Kha, a convicted terrorist, was shot dead by police after members of the public unarmed him by using a fire extinguisher. At the time of the attack the students
were visiting The Monument to the Great Fire of London - less than 300 metres away from London Bridge. The student’s itinerary stated that they should meet outside Monument Tube Station at 2pm so they could carry on their tour to the Imperial War Museum. “As they were making their way down from The Monument they could see people running in every direction on the bridge,” Deputy Principal Mairéad
DECEMBER
Lucey told the Killarney Advertiser. “They were just two city blocks away but at the time they did not really know what was going on but they kept to their schedule. It was only when they were on the train, they realised there was something serious going on and that they were on the last train out of there.” The next stop on the student’s schedule was the Imperial War Museum, approximately 10 stops on The London Underground’s District Line, where there is no mobile signal. “Once the teachers and students got to the War Museum and realised what was going on, everyone phoned home and the school to let everyone know they were ok,” she added. “Everyone remained calm.”
New water fountain is a Brewery appeal withdrawn step against climate change | By Anne Lucey Plans for a €24 million brewery and whiskey distillery, visitor centre and restaurant at Fossa, Killarney, will get underway in January - after an appeal to An Bord Pleanála was withdrawn.
| By Michelle Crean A brand new water fountain – the first by Kerry County Council – has been installed outside Killarney Courthouse – as a way to combat plastic bottle usage. The new facility at Fairhill was welcomed as a great addition to the town this week by Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District and member of the Looking Good Committee, Cllr Michael Gleeson, who said the pilot project aims to help reduce plastic waste. "A sad legacy of the last century is that so many of our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans are so badly polluted,” Mayor Gleeson said. “It is my hope that this water fountain will not only help to quench thirsts but will also help us all to realise how precious a gift clean and safe drinking water really is. It is also to be hoped that using this fountain will encourage us all to use fewer plastic bottles and non-recyclable cups.” The Council will closely monitor the
REFRESHING: Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson, demonstrating the new water station installed outside Killarney Courthouse.
fountain and if it proves successful there will be more provided over the coming years, he added. “My thanks to all involved in providing this facility for the benefit of locals and tourists.”
Aidan Forde, Director of Torc Brewing of Church Close, Muckross, had appealed plans by Killarney Brewing Company, to develop a micro-craft distillery, brewery, cask maturation area, exhibition area, visitor centre, restaurant, and parking to cater for coach and private cars at the old Rosenbluth office building at Killalee on the main Ring of Kerry Road, on the grounds of firewater retention. He has now withdrawn his appeal. Fossa may shortly see three new whiskey distilleries and visitor centres - within a stone’s throw of each other. Less than half a mile away, the adjoining townland of Lakeview, the seat of the O’Connell family in Kil-
larney, has already begun producing its first whiskey called ‘The Liberator’ in a 300-year-old complex that includes a bonded warehouse. And a third proposal for a distillery, this time by Killarney Distillers Limited, in a protected structure at Knoppogue in Aghadoe, Fossa, is also underway. A detailed application for planning for conservation and refurbishment of a derelict 19th century coach house at Aghadoe House as a craft distillery development will be finalised in late January, the Council said. A spokesperson for Killarney Brewery yesterday said site works were already underway and the project is to go "full steam" ahead now. Kerry County Council grant of permission lays down the restaurant must close by midnight. The brewing company, which has been operating since 2015 at a site on the Muckross Road, produces gin and beer with a number of new whiskeys planned when the brewing part of operation moves to Fossa.
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KERRY HEROES: Winner of the Radio Kerry 'Kerry Heroes Awards 2019' were presented with their awards.
Ballyspillane family named as Kerry Heroes A Ballyspillane husband and wife who adopted five children after their parents died in a car crash have been named as one of the ‘2019 Kerry Heroes’ by Radio Kerry. Margaret and John Quilligan were nominated by Sylvia Coffey who said the cou-
ple wouldn’t allow the family be broken up. “When I was 10, my parents were killed in a crash leaving five of us, from the age of 12 down to nine-months-old orphaned,” Sylvia said. “My aunt and uncle took us in, they wouldn’t allow the family to be broken up. I can’t begin to
tell you the happiness and love we felt in that small house because of them,” Sylvia’s nomination. The Killarney family were one of seven individuals that were announced by the local radio station as Kerry Heroes for 2019. Dr Patricia Sheahan and the staff at UHK
Palliative Care Unit, were nominated by Haulie and Carol Liston, and by Denise Murphy. The Kerry camogie team were nominated by Kathleen Fitzgerald who wrote: “Two All-Irelands from this very disciplined and dedicated panel. The final whistle in Croke Park provided memories that will never be forgotten.” Ryan Murphy, aged 10, was nominated by Joanne Morgan who praised the Ballyduff boy for raising money for Kerry Hospice and Palliative Care. He wanted to honour his late dad, Jim, who spent his last weeks in palliative care.” The Kerry Senior Football Team and Peter Keane were nominated for uniting the county, giving us belief and making everybody proud to wear the Kerry jersey. Laura Fitzpatrick nominated her father Jack. She said it was because he “spearheaded a campaign to stop the closure of St Mary of the Angels residential facilities, so his son, my brother Bernard, and other residents could stay in their home. He formed a parents’ and relatives’ association which helped raise over €400,000 to improve and maintain St Mary of the Angels”. The State of Mind mental health organisation nominated its co-founder in Ireland, Dr Susan Mary Lawlor for her continuous efforts to help raise awareness of mental fitness throughout GAA clubs in Kerry and in the county’s community at large. Dr Lawlor co-founded the organisation in Ireland with her late brother Dr Martin Lawlor. The winners were presented with specially commissioned original awards created and sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery.
CHRISTENING DAY: Parents Norah and Micheal Murphy, Killarney gathered with family and friends for the christening of baby Daniel at The International Hotel on Saturday, December 21.
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COLUMNIST ANNE LUCEY REVIEW 2019
JANUARY
The UK parliament has reverted to its old imperial manner The fool proof imperial method always, whether it was India or Ireland, was to court the princes, the chieftains, and the powerful, and then the cosmhuinter, meaning followers or poor people, would follow. Well, I only hope in a few years from now, we won’t be asking similar questions of ourselves about the EU. Nobody mentions the war of course: What really pushed the Brits - really the English and Welsh - over the line to vote to leave the EU was the European leaders themselves. We talk about ‘backstop’, but we need
to step back, back pedal a bit. In October 2015, the prospect of easing Turkey’s entry into the EU in return for which Turkey would hold onto their three million Syrian and Middle East migrants was put on the table first by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Thousands per day were coming into Greece. Angela had invited one million into Germany. It was overgenerous. The migrant crisis was threatening to overwhelm and split Europe and there was a growing resistance in Germany, Hungary, Poland, and even the Nordic countries, to the prospect of people from a completely different culture, language and background, arriving daily in such huge numbers. Not that anyone was allowed say that quite so directly, of course.
Boris Johnson
Theresa May
In March 2016, and crucially, in May 2016 with the Brexit referendum campaign raging, Angela Merkel and EU leaders were banging the tin drum of easing Turkey’s entry into the EU. Tin drum, tin ear! More incredibly on June 1, now just three weeks before the British referendum, their Europe seemed ready to heed calls to “liberalise” visa applications so close to 80 million Turks could, if they wanted, move to Europe. It was an own goal by the European leaders. And it was too good an opportunity for UKIP and the Brexiteers
to let slip. I hear so much now about the political stupidity of the Brits - but I hear nothing about the political stupidity, and frankly blind arrogance, of the European leaders during a critical period with a vote to leave one of its largest members underway. On the other hand the UK parliament has reverted to its old imperial manner and is treating the EU like a colony. Its approach to the EU, and especially Ireland and the border, is towards a rather obstreperous little country! It is quite simply bizarre, but also a failure of politics.
FEBRUARY
VIEWS ON THE NEWS | REVIEW 2019
Nurses seem to have captured a general feeling of deep dissatisfaction Are our striking nurses the Irish version of the French Gilet Jaunes and have they captured the general ‘malaise’? No one knows what the nurses actually want and as with the French yellow jackets, they are not too specific. But with the yellow vests and the French public mood, the blue vested nurses seem to have captured a general feeling of deep dissatisfaction. It is a mood that has been ignored by politicians and senior civil and public servants. And, as with the French, it has burst on the scene. Polls show almost 70 percent support for the nurses’ strike. Even concerns about the timing before Brexit is not blunting it. The nurses did not cause Brexit and the health service has been under terrible strain with almost two decades is the consensus. I have followed the strike on social media with comments such as ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ underlies the ‘bualadh bos’, tea and
honking horns for the marching nurses. It seems to stem from rage: rage over the attempt by the Government to turn down €13 billion Apple tax; the scandalous cost of the National Children’s Hospital and its location, the lack of housing, the way the bankers were supported even though they broke the country, the way a lot of the developers and big borrowers seem to have protected themselves; that the Government caved into the guards and awarded increases; the high salaries TDs, Senators and Ministers pay themselves, and their decision to hike their pay in the throes of the strike by front line workers. In short, everything, maybe even the kitchen sink, is shoring up support for this strike, quite apart from the nurses. Yet I think there are a few long-trunked elephants in the chambers of the INMO arguments. They say nurses will not leave after graduation if they are paid more. Again, we don’t know how much of an increase the INMO
actually seeks. In any case, and research shows, young nurses are not leaving the Irish system because of pay. They are leaving largely because the Irish university and training system allows them to. It gives them a qualification that is a passport to travel to sunny places and does not demand of them to stay to pay the State back for their very expensive training. Young people these days travel. Nurses are no different. There is a simple solution to this: a stipulation that both nurses and doctors must work in the Irish health system for three to four years on graduation. I can’t understand why the GPs are diluting the focus on the nurses by holding their own high profile protest smack in the middle of it. There is another aspect which this strike is throwing up: younger nurses and their suitability for the profession. I find some of the personal stories actually worrying. What comes across is some young nurses can’t seem to handle the stress of the profession.
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Young nurses are not leaving the Irish system because of pay. They are leaving largely because the Irish university and training system allows them to
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Things are at such a pass now you would wonder how the English ruled us for 700 years. What kind of donkeys were we to be led by such asses! The truth is they did so with collusion.
All jobs are stressful and everyone takes stress home and the young entrants can’t seem to get this. They have this idea that everything is better elsewhere! The innocence of it is shocking. Nursing is a tough job. It demands character, as well as empathy. We have ditched the interview system for a paper based points system. How can you tell character suitability from Leaving Cert grades? I wonder if our very cosseted, protected and academically bright young people - I hesitate to use the term snowflake generation - are tough enough for it? Maybe it's time to bring back the interviews.
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MARCH
Plans for South Kerry Greenway have been badly handled The South Kerry Greenway is paved with good intentions, but its handling has been pretty abysmal. Apparently, the greenway from Glenbeigh was on foot of an idea by Eamon O’Cuiv while a Minister for Rural and Gaeltacht affairs between 2002 and 2010. The South Kerry Development Partnership commissioned the initial feasibility study. The project was then eagerly taken over by Kerry County Council with its army of highly qualified engineers and planners. It was announced with great fanfare in 2014 - some weeks in advance of the local elections if you remember - with the iconic picture by Don MacMonagle of Junior Transport Minister Alan Kelly on a bicycle on the Kells viaduct. It was to cost €4.7 million, €4 million which was to be grant aided. The Victorian feat of engineering that was the old rail line, brought prosperity to south Kerry between 1895 until it
closed in 1960, bringing decline. The greenway would be a way of rectifying that terrible decision to cut the lifeline to Cahersiveen. But much as in 1960, local people were not given much of a chance to make an input when the greenway was announced. Most of them had in fact not been approached by March 2014. And it was not even known how many landowners there were. 90 landowners was one figure thrown out. It turned out to be almost twice that. The greenway, the only means of bringing prosperity to towns like Cahersiveen and Iveragh, was bleeding population and it was incomprehensible to the Council management - and to many Killarney and Tralee councillors - how such a good idea couldn’t but be supported! In a way this was understandable too. It has never been clear to me how cutting through people’s driveways three times as in the case of one man, would ever bring those people pros-
Someone needs to be prosecuted for Torc fires “Wanton destruction” of the National Park - Killarney Solicitor Pat F O’Connor is of course 100 percent right. This is “criminal vandalism” and all local candidates should be asked to give their views on the wildfires occurring on the buffer zone surrounding Killarney National Park and within the park itself. Pat F, a former councillor and chair of the National Park Committee, is cor-
rect too in that Europe are quite entitled to bring sanctions against us for neglecting to protect the park. I have no idea why we need sheep grazing next to the walls of the National Park in the first place. They are competing with the highly prized red deer for fodder and driving the stags and hinds down the mountains onto farmland. Sheep graze so closely they destroy the vegetation and the rare butterworth and camomile and thyme on the mountain.
perity. The old rail line was being pursued, but it was also not being pursued in places! So it seemed the route could actually be a moveable feast. Then again I am no engineer. I met with landowners in Foilmore three summers ago. What they saw as the high-handed approach by the Council had got their backs up - as much as cutting through their back and front yards. I saw where some of that new green line was going, and it was beyond me how small farmers could manage all day opening and closing gates. But, by far the biggest faux pas was the taking out of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) card and brandishing it too early - as far back as December 2014. The CPO order was needed because grant funding will run out if the project is not completed by December 2016, councillors were warned. This controversial weapon was going to ensure division. Perhaps it is beyond
understanding in Tralee, or in towns like Killarney, but land grabbing is a real and not just a historical threat in the countryside. And land grabbing by the State is one of the biggest red alerts there is. CPOs are normally used for vital projects, like rails, roads, gas, electricity, ports, and housing. The South Kerry Greenway for leisure cyclists from the towns and cities may be a most desirable project - but it is hardly vital. I see a long haul, as with the Bonane people fighting against taking water from the Sheen River, first through petitioning councillors and management in the Council chamber in Tralee, without result, then through the planning process and an oral hearing, and then having to gather money and go through the courts. And at the end of the day the water is being taken from the corrie lake where the Bonane people always said it should! Now what brings me to this is the RTE Primetime Programme on the greenway featured on Tuesday night and the decision by the Council not to contribute or send forward a spokesperson or say anything at all because the matter is going through the planning process!
And I have no idea why it is the land is burned. Take the so called commonage at the foot of Mangerton which is burnt year after year. This is the habitat of the meadow pipit and one of the few areas left at all where the cuckoo can be heard now. It is only in the last year or two I have seen sheep being run on this part of the commonage, and they are not local sheep. Take the southernmost end of that commonage - in over 30 years I have never seen sheep run on it. The Scots Pine of the National Park on Mangerton is singed year after year after year from the wanton burning. And where the owl sits, those branches have long burnt away.
That there has been no prosecution is a disgrace and a shame on all of us. Considerable prosecuting powers are enjoyed by both the National Parks and the Gardai. The Department of Heritage, which is in charge of the NPWS, is well able to come after honest boatmen for rescuing a passenger or two lost in the wilderness of the Killarney National Park with no way home, as we recall from a case that ran for days in Killarney and Tralee courts. Yet not one single person has been hauled before the courts for even a half an hour for annually threatening the whole of the Killarney National Park. I have come to believe this annual conflagration is the expression of a primitive psychosis, a particular psychiatric condition so far undiagnosed. The sap rising in spring and maybe the smell of controlled burning sets them off. So it is not just the court that these people should be hauled in front of, they should also be analysed on the psychiatrist’s couch. Meanwhile, back on the branch, so to speak, what a great irony it is that the much maligned rhododendron actually saved the mountains and the rare native woodlands: it was so dense the fire could not get through and old rhodo acted as a firewall, Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Hegarty told me.
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MAY Now to roads, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings! I doubt if those in the 19th century who thought up the idea of strong local Government when we were part of the great British Empire, could ever imagine that a roundabout or a pedestrian crossing on a fairly humble Killarney Street would have to be approved in London or Dublin. But there you have it! Such is our centralised system, the pedestrian crossing at the Monsignor Flaherty statue, at the unfortunately named Mission Road, is on hold! Two years ago the dire need for the crossing was pointed out in this column. Later it was taken up by councillors - but the result is the same - there still is no crossing. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have requested a safety audit to be carried out, the Council said this week, on foot of a motion by Cllr Cronin. But I detected the Council itself is not that enthusiastic. And on this note I hope to give you a laugh. A very serious and clearly highly qualified engineer made an unfortunate slip at the MD meeting, mixing up his monsignors: “Of the Monsignor Horan… excuse me, Monsignor Flaherty statue, there
COLUMNIST ANNE LUCEY REVIEW 2019
Still no pedestrian crossing on Killarney's Mission Road is a concern it could be a rat run!” the engineer said of the proposal. He immediately corrected himself on the matter of the monsignors - but not before a few of the more irreverent journalists on the press bench – and it has to be said a colleague started grin-
VIEWS ON THE NEWS | REVIEW 2019
JUNE
Who is accountable for scandals in the HSE? The Cervical Check scandal drags on and on and the more you check it, ironically the more unbalanced it is. But who is accountable for scandals in the HSE? I really do question how competent the HSE managers are. It goes back to the basic fact that a great many of the HSE personnel are politically appointed. Education and health are the two targets for political rewards in this country, and have long been. Shamelessly so. Labour in power stuffed the services with Labour/trade union acolytes ditto Fianna Fail. And while much of the focus is on the church running of schools, we have taken our eye off how education, particularly in the vocational sector and in the Institutes of Technology, has been stuffed with people of certain political
3.01.2020
leanings. The judiciary is full of political appointees. But, whatever about the law - we can live without that – that both the health and the education industry are political footballs is a disaster for this country. Politicians announce free screening for whole sectors of the population, without bothering to check can it actually be provided, and can it be provided safely. Standards of education are at their lowest ever. We have let apprenticeship programmes or even basic training programmes slip almost entirely. Health and education, the areas most vital for human advancement should be taken out of politics entirely and rather than health and education ministries, there should be a rotating professional inspectorate for both, methinks.
ning at the inadvertent solution to the whole problem of crossing the road. “Rat run?” queried Cronin.“ They can’t run anywhere. They are stuck in cars melting in the traffic!” the councillor said. For a moment I had visions of a monsignor, not in a long soutane, but in a
colour kilt dancing at the crossroads, and like the pied piper of Hamlin, leading the rats out of town. Or maybe halting the marathon traffic so the pedestrians can get through the traffic on Mission Road! End of crossing problem.
Concerns raised over Mission Road apartments The Killarney Environs Protection Group have twice raised concerns with Kerry County Council planners over the breach of the wall at the Fassbender apartments on Mission Road, it has emerged. In March, they wrote to the Council to say that planning restrictions were not being adhered to. They also said that it took years to plan Mission Road which essentially went through the National Park and a precedent was being set for other developments. And the conservation group questioned the cutting down of mature trees at the location. They received acknowledgement for their correspondence sent in March, but so far have had no other response. A Council spokesman has told me the matter is still being looked into.
Separately, the planning files reveal strong concern was raised over the high building now underway at the back of the funeral home, this time by An Taisce. The building was on a sensitive location and the adjoining funeral home would be overlooked from the balconies which could impact on the privacy of those attending a funeral, An Taisce felt in the original application in 2014. Residents of Lower New Street expressed concerns about being overlooked. It was not appealed. But as many as 20 conditions are attached in 2014 including the set back of one of the balconies. A further application was made subsequently and at least part of the building underway now will be four storeys. By the way, the Council has charged large levies in respect of parking.
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JULY Mickey Harte
Well, if you are going to sing do sing a rebel song Am I the only one who thinks Mickey Harte should not have apologised for Tyrone singing a rebel song as their bus passed an Orange /Loyalist parade. I can’t but smile at the very natural response of spirited young fit men in the Gaelic tradition inside in the bus in Aughnacloy bursting out with a few bars of 'Come out ye black and Tans' at the Orange parade whose main mantra, historically, is Croppy Lie Down'. In any case no-one marching outside the bus heard them. I actually applaud the Tyrone team re-
sponse - what were they supposed to do, sit silent as stones or break out into a burst of cheering on these marchers deliberately swaggering through a nationalist area? I have to confess, I’d have joined in a bar of the song myself given the occasion, because as my late mother, used to say, if you scratch me deep enough, the green will come out If I were Mickey Harte I would be rethinking the apology. And if the boys are any good at the singing, record them and make a few bob for the jerseys. Far worse things have been thrown in the north than bars of songs.
Anyone for cricket? Hurling may be the fastest game in the world, but there is something about the slowness of cricket on a sunny afternoon. And now that Irish man Eoin Morgan has captained the winning England team, memories are coming back. Generations past would point to the tradition of cricket in Killarney and the old cricket field which flooded in early summer alongside the Flesk River. It must have been magical. Cricket preceded football in the annals of St Brendan’s College, and the first mention of a St Brendan’s team was a newspaper report of the college cricket team victory over a Killarney X1 in 1874. A lot of people would love to see a return of cricket to Killarney and there was some move a few years back for a cricket field. The idea was fielded and pursued by Cllr Michael Gleeson after being approached by cricket loving people from other countries who are now part of our town. A site in the Demesne was examined
Cllr Michael Gleeson
and the NPWS were not averse to the idea, Cllr Gleeson tells me. But it was too near the main road and a long six might end up on a windscreen is how Michael explained it. It is something he will look at again though which is good news for integration in Killarney. It would be a splendid sight to watch the cricketers in action. And we could all join in.
AUGUST
A fishy tail about the Mad Monk The story behind the new Mad Monk restaurant on Plunkett Street has nothing to do with Killarney, Liam Quinlan tells me. He told me this because I rang him up to say I had a bit of a crow to pluck with the name ‘The Mad Monk’ and I was going to write about it in the column this week. I had been searching for a strong fishy metaphor, but apart from the old Jewish saying that “visitors, like fish, smell after three days”, I couldn’t think of any. Certainly Quinlans’ Fish does not smell. So crow it had to be, as long as I was not forced to eat it! Now, I do know that in south Kerry the monks of the Skellig were considered a bit “mad”. And in fact, Liam tells me the name is indeed after a mad monk in the Skellig and the whole stock of legends about him. There is an affection for madness in south Kerry. Some of the cable workers on Valentia and Waterville were also considered a bit mad. The term itself is much used - you often hear it around Cahersiveen which is the headquarters of the Quinlans. It often means eccentric to the point of complete irrespon-
sibility, extreme behaviour and people not to be taken too seriously, and given to drinking too much and having a bit of a laugh at themselves. But in Killarney we had no mad monks. And madness was a fairly serious business. Our monks stood the test of fashion and time and were at all times highly respected. I think of Brother MacCudda, who, after founding the Augustinian monastery on Innisfallen, left and returned after many years to
find it all changed - so much so that he lived out his days as a hermit and wise man in the Demesne across from Innisfallen. Neighbours in Rock Road and the old stock of Killarney did the rounds to Clogh MacCudda, as they did to a lot of the holy wells and fonts in Killarney, most of which have been built over at this stage. Now, if like Brother MacCudda you were away for 30 years and came back
to Killarney, you would witness, like that beloved Killarney monk, a great change. You would see great masses of people, men and women, singly and in groups, walking at speed around the town and down the Demesne and out the bypass in vests and bare muscular arms and cycling shorts just like the man we once considered mad as teenagers. Yes, I realised too the name “Mad Monk” incorporates the tail of the Monk Fish. It was chosen because the Quinlan boats fished around the Skellig and Liam said it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Killarney tradition of much loved monks and was chosen to distinguish it from the High Street premises. Another name was in the mix also, but that was the one chosen. He says he has got compliments on the name – I have no reason to disbelieve him, only I have heard a few murmurings. I suppose at the end of the day, it has got people talking. And there is always a chance of a true Killarney name next time round – given that the restaurant is in Killarney. Anyway, let’s hope the fish stays fresh!
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VIEWS ON NEWS THE
COLUMNIST ANNE LUCEY REVIEW 2019
3.01.2020
SEPTEMBER
Sin was a very handy way of organising lives and with it - society
A number of things have set me thinking along the lines of the new earthly damnation sins, not least the sacking of a high profile BBC broadcaster who has lost his job over a Tweet sent after the recent royal birth. The Tweet picture was not nice. It was of a couple holding a well-dressed monkey by the hands. It was the kind of thing that would have been directed at the Irish by the English establishment from
the age of Darwin to just a couple of decades ago. We Irish were held to be peculiarly “Simian” and very near the monkey. In other words, we hadn't evolved much. Pictures of the Irish face would be used in the British press and in magazines like ‘Punch’ to illustrate our semi-animal features. Roll on to 2019, and quickly such a thing has become a sacking offence. A new sin in other words. It wasn't just the English. In UCC in the 1970s and ‘80s Kerry people had to grin and bear the Kerry man jokes of maths lecturer Des McHale, the man behind the super brain and other quizzes. I thought about him the other day – he published several books of Kerry man jokes and must have made money at our expense. I found some of his “jokes” highly offensive and demeaning. Did you hear about the Kerry man whose library burned down… etc etc.
VIEWS ON THE NEWS | REVIEW 2019
OCTOBER
The country will move on with or without the Greenway in south Kerry
I have been sitting through the fascinating hearing into the South Kerry Greenway for almost two weeks. It is a microcosm of the gulf there now is between the elite governing classes and the “tuaithe”. Remember the way, anciently you would describe the two classes in Ireland – cleir is tuath? Well, now it is Government and the people. The Council is outlining its case for planning, and for compulsory purchase of its strips of farmland. It is needed for economic regeneration of the West Iveragh region, they say, advancing their argument on “the common good”. Previously in this column I have spoken about the Greenway being paved with good intentions, and I still believe it is. But the bulldozing of the project
by, dare I say it a council as a body under instruction from central Government, which really should stick to filling potholes, has had terrible repercussions. People are actually traumatised - it has been stated. And to be honest I have spoken to people, not just at the hearing but over some years now, and they are terribly upset. It is shocking for them to find themselves pilloried on social media, on the street - and to have had so little softness from their County Council simply for daring to assert their rights. And one councillor had the cheek to go into the hearing and say they were disingenuous - I hope he knocks on their doors for a vote in five years’ time. The Council certainly has engaged in public consultation – but the Council’s definition of consultation does not accord with the meaning of con-
A lot of the sins of the modern era are not just about thought and deed, they are about language. At the same time the Kerry man jokes were in vogue, the fashion chain Gay Wear changed its name to A Wear in Cork. The word gay, which had an entirely broader meaning up until then was suddenly corralled and was becoming associated with just one group. I still don’t know if the sudden change to A Wear was prompted by the new emerging fear of giving offence, or was it fear of losing sales? This was still the 1980s when all sorts of things could be said. What we really need I sometimes think, is a re-education campa kind of Pol Pot thing where you undo incorrect thinking. The camp would also instil in us the new puritan dogma and teach us to police our thoughts the correct way, or, er….the new acceptable way. Only that it better be a short course so we don’t slip once we come
“
Previously in this column I have spoken about the Greenway being paved with good intentions, and I still believe it is
“
It is time we were handed a new set of sins, all clearly delineated, in the way we were taught them in the communion and confirmation classes at school. And while we are at it, could we have the new “sin list” dated and stamped? I must not be the only one to notice sins tend to date. “Sin bin” has real meaning – the only thing to recognise is that new ones rush in to replace them.
sultation in south Kerry - that much is crystal clear. Terrible divisions have arisen between Cahersiveen and the countryside because of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) mechanism – am I missing something here, or is this the county which celebrated ‘The Field’? What part of the tie to the land do Council officials in Tralee and councillors throughout this county not understand? The hearing was been told repeatedly, that the executive moved to CPO in December 2014 when agreement could not be reached with every-
out! An App that can be updated and announce the inclusion of each new sin – thoughtless use of plastic, unnecessary use of air travel, having more time for humans than animals, believing animals and humans are not equal, inadvertently complimenting single gender people thereby insulting people of multiple gender, dressing your daughter in pink and your son in blue thereby hampering them for life with unreasonable expectations attaching to male and female might all be sins. We are entitled to know! Those thought police who set many of the new sins must have the backbone to come out and name them and end the reign of terror and confusion. But, could I also suggest we have a taught police – if we say the wrong thing on Twitter after a few glasses of vin ordinaire, it is probably on the basis of what we were taught rather than what we had thought!
one. Now there is one huge context to this which is getting no airing. It’s the why and the wherefore and it explains the urgency by the Council and the pressure they were under. I was at the meeting in Ballyheigue around Christmas 2014 and everyone wanted the Greenway - but there was an urgency - the grant funding was at risk. I got my hands on and checked the December 2014 approved minutes. The word “contingent” is used. Grant funding was “contingent” on the project being completed by December 2016. It was not possible to continue land negotiations “indefinitely”. The country will move on with or without the Greenway in south Kerry – but it will take years for the pressure sores applied from on high and passed on “for the common good” to heal. That’s the way I see it. Memory is long in south Kerry. Meanwhile, the Dublin Planning Board, a state agency, is dragging everyone up from south Kerry to Tralee for a hearing that could have been held just as easily in Glenbeigh or Cahersiveen and “regenerated” these towns for three weeks in the shoulder season of October. Who is shouting about this?
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3.01.2020
NOVEMBER
Fob-gate and vote-gate - it all seems so 20th century. Doubtless the fiasco in Dáil Eireann, Leinster House if you like, is called after the Watergate political scandal of the 1970s which forced American President Richard Nixon to resign. What is absent from all of it is a 21st century solution, I would suggest – and we are being “fobbed off” from even looking at it. Let’s take the Dáil being in Dublin: Leinster House, the “seat” of the Irish parliament. This is so 19th century. For a start, the Dukes of Leinster once occupied it. The original parliament house had been bought out, taken over by the Bank of Ireland, by the time Michael Collins went looking for a suitable building. That was the 1920s when there were more horses than cars, although there were far more train line, and trams, and trains would have brought our TDs to Dublin quicker and easier than now, perhaps. The Healy-Raes could have caught the train from almost outside their door. Brendan Griffin could have hopped on at Milltown or Killorglin, and there
Massive carbon footprint from Kerry by Oireachtas members
were train lines in mid-Kerry and north Kerry and south Kerry back then. Alas though, we got rid of the trains alongside the English. The Leinster complex has been refurbished down through the years and apparently - if you can go by the website oireachtas.ie - it now includes state-of-the-art video and other facilities and the internet in the Dáil is also very good. So the question arises, almost 100 years later why do our representatives
from the corners of Ireland have to go to the building at all? Kerry TDs are claiming tens of thousands of euro a year just to go to Dublin. We shouldn’t be paying out this kind of money to send them where they clearly don’t want to spend too much time. There is nothing written about TDs having to be in the Dáil for any set length of time on any given day as far as I can see. Forget about electronic voting for general elections, we should really
Fr Peter’s letter has had a profound effect A four-paragraph letter in Tuesday’s Irish Times from Fr Peter McVerry SJ was surely the most shared in recent days. Sometimes the simplest stories, simply told, have the most profound effect. Here it is in case you haven’t read it: ‘Sir, I attended court with a young homeless boy who had been charged with theft of a bottle of orange, value €1. Another homeless man was charged with theft of four bars of chocolate, value €3. Another homeless man was charged with theft of two packets of Silk Cut cigarettes. A TD, on his way to, or from his fulltime, very well paid job in Brussels, stops by at Dáil Éireann to sign in, so that he can collect his full €51,600 expenses for his attendance in the Dail.”
The TD of course was Dara Murphy the FG fellow working in Brussels since 2017. Later on Tuesday, Fianna Fail TDs, all of them, well paid, well secured, overly expensed, beyond most people’s dreams, sat on their lily-livered hands and abstained from the vote of no confidence put down by the Social Democrats in Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. I think some of their ancestors of the old Fianna Fail concerned with social justice for the poor of the towns and the poor and downtrodden of the countryside would be turning in their graves. But perhaps those old Fianna Fail ancestors are turning with some time now!
RESIGNATION
Then on Wednesday morning we awoke to the news that a half hour or so after voting for an inept housing minister and saving the Govern-
ment by the skin of their teeth the Cork TD and Brussels high flier Dara Murphy resigned. The cynicism of FG in this is almost unbearable to stomach. It is unforgiveable in my books. But you know, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, the old power brokers, are not the only ones around these days. Sinn Fein supported the Social Democrats. I have to say, now that the Shinners have got rid of most of their old “brigade” - just as FF and FG did 50 years ago - they are playing a blinder and have some of the best spokesmen in issues like housing with Eoin O Broin and have a good man in Pearse Doherty too. I am still not convinced about Mary Lou, unfortunately. The results of the recent by-election in Dublin Mid-West with the surprise election of Mark Ward show the way people are turning. It does not sur-
not have houses of parliament at all we should have virtual houses, virtual meeting points and discussion groups - and electronic voting for our TDs. They can skype and video conference as well as the money we would all save in keeping them at home, think of the time the TDs would save! I would love to know how many senators and TDs support the train service to Kerry and use the train. It isn’t just about time anymore. The carbon footprint left by our lively Oireachtas members up and down the N71/ the N69/ the M7 and so on from Kerry is massive. And the faster they drive, the more carbon they use. They tell us we have to think of climate change. So, why bother with fobs and mileage and stressing our hard working TDs who would much prefer being at home - in other words why bother Leinster House at all? Perhaps the Bank of Ireland might like to value it!
DECEMBER prise me at all that few or no political commentator in any national forum missed the resurrection of Sinn Fein.
LACK OF SERVICES
On the ground though, people are fed up with taxes and lack of services and are being hounded with charges and health warnings and all kinds of things. And they are increasingly fed up with so many, far too many, TDs who are so well remunerated and who are devoted to building wealth, shamelessly - with overpaid senior civil servants who have to answer for nothing. Two weeks ago I was struck by Cllr Pa Daly, the Kerry Sinn Fein candidate, at the Council budget meeting, for the same reasons as I was struck Fr McVerry. Again it was a simple statement: “It’s the housing policy that’s increasing the homelessness, not the other way round,” Daly stated starkly. People are writing off the chances of SF holding onto their Kerry seat I wouldn’t be in such a hurry to do so. There is no lightning rod in terms of a candidate - and the rest of the field - those standing so far and even those straining in the side lines, have little magnetic charm, in my view. So I definitely won’t write off Sinn Fein.
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NEWS
WATCH READ THE LATEST PROGRAMMES, FILMS, BOOKS & MUSIC
watch RELEASED: JANUARY 3
| By Michelle Crean
The Emerald Affair By Janet MacLeod Trotter
show which has been well-received when it aired in Canada in late 2019, but despite that, season three has been confirmed to be the final season.
listen
RELEASED: JANUARY 1, 2020 (KINDLE EDITION) In this evocative tale of life in India between the wars, friendships will be tested and loyalties torn. But can love win the day? In Scotland in the aftermath of the First World War, nurse Esmie McBride meets handsome Captain Tom Lomax at her best friend Lydia’s home. Esmie is at first concerned for Tom’s shell shock, then is captivated by his charm, but it’s effervescent Lydia he marries, and the pair begin a new adventure together in India. As Esmie struggles with her true feelings for Tom a crisis strikes both couples. Esmie faces a shattering choice: should she stay the constant friend she’s always been, or risk everything and follow her heart? When marriage to Tom’s doctor friend Harold offers Esmie the chance
to work in India, the two sets of newlyweds find themselves living wildly different lives on the subcontinent.
on the box
Georgia Seeking Thrills RELEASED: JANUARY 11 London’s Georgia Barnes has announced her second album, ‘Seeking Thrills’. It’s out on January 11, 2020 on Domino. Her new single from the album ‘Never Let You Go’ has already been released. Georgia is a singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist.
LISTEN
read
Ann with an E In season three of ‘Anne with an E’, Anne’s 16th birthday inspires her to look back at her past which includes information that she wasn’t anticipating. It’s another stunning series of the
3.1.2020
After a stint at the Brit school she eventually started drumming professionally. Her style is most memorably summarised as being very electro-romp. 'Seeking Thrills' will be available on CD, and the Deluxe LP includes a heavyweight red vinyl, a printed PVC sleeve and a 12-page booklet.
BIG BIG MOVIE
Norm of the North
Horrible Bosses
RTE 2; Friday, 1.30pm A polar bear discovers a property developer is planning to build luxury holiday homes in the Arctic. Determined to save his home from being ruined, he travels to New York City and teams up with a gang of lemmings to put a stop to the plan. Animated comedy, with the voices of Rob Schneider, Heather Graham and Bill Nighy.
RTE 2; Saturday, 9.20pm A power-crazed bully, a sleazy cocaine addict and a sexual predator each make an employee's life a misery, but the three workers cannot afford to quit their jobs. They resort to desperate measures by conspiring to murder each other's bosses, with a little help from an eccentric ex-convict. Comedy, starring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell.
NO 1 FOR LOCAL SPORT NEWS IN KILLARNEY
SPORT REVIEW
50
JANUARY
SPORT REVIEW 2019
Keane’s Kerry ready for battle
3.01.2020
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER SPORT REVIEW 2019
Kerry may not have kicked a ball in anger in months but I doubt Peter Keane has had much downtime since taking over from Eamonn Fitzmaurice in October. Assembling a new team is always fraught with challenges but Keane’s job has been made doubly difficult by an exodus of some of Kerry’s most senior players at the end of last season. The former minor manager barely had his feet under his desk when the first controversy of his regime came to light. Keane compiled a list of approximately 40 players, all of whom were informed by management that they were to be part of an extended Kerry panel for pre-season training ahead of the 2019 campaign. However, a number of players who were in with Kerry in 2018 but evidently not in Keane’s plans were not informed of their omission. This left established squad members like Barry John Keane and Fionn Fitzgerald out in the cold with no idea if they were in or out. You had a situation where senior Kerry players had to ask around to find out if a squad had even been named. The issue was raised at the time by
Killarney cyclists claim top team prize
Kerins O’Rahilly’s at a County Board meeting and Kerry GAA Chairman Tim Murphy said things would be done differently in the future. But at a recent press conference the Kerry manager doubled down on his decision to not contact outgoing squad members, insisting that, “they hadn’t been my players”. Keane has also faced another difficult questions surrounding assault charges that have been made against
FEBRUARY
players who have apparently represented Kerry at various levels. It is not believed that any of these players are part of the extended Kerry senior panel. All in all, it has been an eventful first 100 days for the new manager but now the real challenge begins. Kerry seem a long way away from the mountain top at the moment but as the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Killarney Celtic host League of Ireland side Cork City to Killarney
The Hoops, who are currently 11 points clear at the top of the Kerry Premier A, held their own against a strong Cork team made up of senior stars, young players and trialists. James Tilley, who is a loan signing
With close to 50 riders in the field in Fota, Cork, the Killarney team, which consisted of current Munster champion Richard Maes, former national criterium champion Páidí O’Brien and Matt Slattery, grabbed the team prize on the back of three excellent performances. Maes finished 7th, O’Brien was 9th and Slattery came in 11th. There were over 400 entries in total at the event.
Kealy wants Kilcummin to keep “driving it on” It may be just a few days since Kilcummin clinched a historic All-Ireland title in Croke Park but club captain Brendan Kealy says he and his teammates are already plotting further success in 2019.
Killarney soccer fans were treated to another great occasion at Celtic Park last Thursday night as League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City came to town for a pre-season friendly against Celtic.
Killarney Cycling Club proved their mettle at Ireland’s largest cyclocross event on Sunday last as they claimed the top team prize in the Elite Men’s Race.
from Brighton, and second-half substitute James Ward put the visitors 2-0 up before experienced Celtic midfielder Gary Keane pulled one back with a close-range header. The hosts tried in vain to force an equaliser but Ward was on hand again in the 72nd minute to seal the victory. Cork City finished second in the Premier Division last season and will be hoping to hit the ground running when their league campaign kicks off later this month.
Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser this week, the experienced goalkeeper described the aftermath of their triumph as a “whirlwind” but despite the well-deserved celebrations, one eye is firmly fixed on the next phase of the team’s progression. “Over the last few days there were conversations between the players, talking about this coming year and
how we need to drive it on,” Kealy said. “That’s the important thing. It’s not about winning and standing still. When you have success, that’s the time to start building. “We’ll maybe get these few days out of the way and next week we’ll really start focussing on the year ahead.” The 33-year-old was a key player for Kilcummin on Saturday, coming to his side’s rescue on no fewer than three occasions to save certain goals. It was a special day for Kealy, one he ranks as one of the greatest of his career, but he was quick to emphasise the importance of the victory for everyone involved with the club.
SPORT REVIEW 2019
3.01.2020
MARCH
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In a closely fought and at times nerve-wracking encounter at Irish Independent Park in Cork, Killarney triumphed over their neighbours Killorglin thanks to a late try by Brendan Fuller.
Greene sinks nine threes as Lakers confirm playoff spot An incredible shooting display from team captain Mark Greene helped the Scotts Lakers to an impressive 105-86 victory over Tolka Rovers last Saturday night as the Killarney side officially confirmed their spot in the 2019 National League Playoffs. Greene shot an incredible seven three-pointers in the first half alone and the hosts quickly built up a commanding lead.
With just 15 minutes to play, the sides were separated by a single point (Killarney 15-14 Killorglin). Then came the decisive moment. An excellent break by scrum half Paul O'Sullivan after his short breather had the Killorglin de-
fence in disarray and super support play saw Brendan Fuller score in the corner on 72 minutes. The difficult conversion - which could have seen Killarney push the lead out to two scores - was unsuccessful so the lead remained at a precarious six points with the clock winding down. Killorglin exerted huge pressure for the remainder of the game but Killarney resisted with some tremendous defence, albeit with the loss of the substitute hooker to a yellow card.
At half-time fans speculated that Greene could be on course to break the Irish record for threes in a game (unconfirmed reports suggest that 11 is the most), but the skipper added “just” two more in the second half before checking out of the game late in the fourth quarter. “I wasn’t going to be running around taking bad shots just to break the record,” Greene said. “We were quite happy with the team performance overall.”
APRIL
Adam Moynihan’s John Delaney article goes viral In April, Killarney Advertiser sports editor Adam Moynihan took aim at embattled FAI administrator John Delaney and two of his prominent Kerry backers: Kerry District League secretary John O’Regan and Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae. Adam’s hard-hitting opinion piece, titled ‘Delaney’s Kerry backers should be ashamed’, was shared widely online and drew praise from soccer fans, and some of Ireland’s top sports journalists, nationwide. The article was also shared by 2019 Journalist of the Year Mark Tighe, the Sunday Times reporter who was responsible for breaking the John Delaney “bridging loan” scandal in March. Healy-Rae later walked back his support for Delaney. The disgraced former CEO, who was on “gardening
leave” at the time of the article, was forced to resign completely in September. The following is an excerpt from Adam’s piece. […] The way O’Regan, who has been in his current role since 1976, and his friends at the KDL speak about Delaney, you’d swear he was the Robin Hood of Irish football. It should go without saying but I’ll say it anyway: the money that filters down from the FAI to build pitches in Kerry is specifically meant for that exact purpose. That’s what the FAI is for. Well, that’s what it’s supposed to be for anyway. Another important point to note is that a lot of our funding comes directly from the government, not the FAI. When it does come from the FAI, John Delaney showing up with an oversized novelty cheque isn’t an act
of charity. It’s the CEO of an association doing his job, a job for which he was extremely well compensated over a very long period of time. Unless, of course, O’Regan and HealyRae are suggesting that Delaney, who used to reside in Tralee, channelled money down to Kerry when it should have rightfully gone elsewhere? […] This attitude typifies everything that’s wrong with the FAI and, by extension, Kerry soccer. This “cute hoor” culture prevails and the people in power are more interested propping up their pals than looking out for the people they’re supposed to represent. Delaney and his cronies in Merrion Square have finally been found out. As far as I’m concerned, all of the Kerrymen who backed him on our behalf should be ashamed.
FACTS | KEVIN McCARTHY SCORED 3-7 AS KILCUMMIN DEEFATED NAOMH ÉANNA
Fuller the hero as Killarney clinch cup
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MAY
SPORT REVIEW 2019
3.01.2020
Nagle wins home rally Paul Nagle described his victory on last weekend’s Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes as a “dream come true”. The Aghadoe man, a winner of five rounds of the World Rally Championship, became the first Killarney native to win the rally in its 40th anniversary. Breen and Nagle, in a Ford Fiesta R5, took a hard fought victory in the Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes in Killarney to edge closer to
the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. The Waterford/Kerry pairing took their fourth consecutive win to move 18 points clear of Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble. Just like in two of the previous rounds, Fisher proved to be Breen’s closest rival and at the end of the event’s 16 stages, the Fermanagh driver was only 14.9 seconds behind. “It’s a fantastic result and it’s a dream come true for me to win my home rally,” Nagle said.
Paudie’s family and friends enjoy memorial golf classic
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER SPORT REVIEW 2019
Almost 60 teams competed in a golf classic in memory of former basketball legend and Mayor of Killarney Paudie O'Connor last week with the Tatler Jack eventually emerging victorious at the famous Killeen course. At the prizegiving function in The McSweeney Arms Hotel on Friday night, Paudie's brother Séamie O'Connor and daughter Morgan O'Connor Mauro presented the winning prizes. Séamie O'Connor thanked his fellow committee members, sponsors and
the O'Connor family for all coming together to stage a very successful golf classic to honour Paudie's memory. He also praised the facilities at Killarney Golf Club, where he has been a member since 1974, and said he never saw the Killeen course looking so well. The golf classic was one of three different events over the past week remembering Paudie O'Connor. Killarney Municipal District Council and Mayor John Sheahan dedicated a roundabout to Paudie's memory at the junction linking Lewis Road and St Anne’s Road in Killarney on Monday.
JUNE
Celtic crowned doubledouble champions Killarney Celtic are league and cup double champions for the second year in a row following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Castleisland in the Premier A final replay on Friday last. Nippy winger Danny Roche, who finished the season as the league’s top scorer, pounced on a rebound to give The Hoops the lead in the 27th minute and the holders were handed the ideal opportunity to double their advantage just before the break when they were awarded a penalty.
Stephen O’Mahony accepted the responsibility from the spot but Island were handed a lifeline when experienced goalkeeper Stephen Bartlett deflected the Celtic defender’s effort to safety. It mattered little in the end, however, as Castleisland just couldn’t find that elusive equaliser in the second half. Captain John McDonagh accepted the league trophy on behalf of his teammates as the Killarney club secured their second league and cup double in two years.
Killarney Camogie and South Kerry hurlers fly the flag at Féile The John West Féile na nGael Finals were held jointly in Kerry and Cork in June and both Killarney Camogie Club and the South Kerry hurlers gave a great account of themselves over the course of a superb weekend of action. Killarney Camogie Club, who hosted
the Four Roads Club from Roscommon, reached the All-Ireland semi-final and were unfortunate to come up just short against Nemo Rangers in Mayfield. Meanwhile, the South Kerry U14 hurling team also had a competitive weekend and enjoyed hosting CLG Mícheál Breathnach from Galway.
JULY
New Killarney Advertiser Sport Podcast launched Shane Murphy has warned that the GAA’s proposed ban on passing the ball back to the goalkeeper will not only discourage young players from playing in goal, it may also force current keepers to pursue a career out the field – himself included. Speaking to Adam Moynihan in the first ever Killarney Advertiser Sport podcast, which can be found on Soundcloud and via @AdamMoynihan on Twitter, the Dr Crokes netminder joined fellow stoppers Niall
Morgan and Rory Beggan in criticising the radical new plan to exclude goalkeepers from open play. GAA President John Horan is keen on the move having reviewed data from 20 National League games which showed that there was an average of 10 back passes to the goalkeeper per match. Murphy doesn’t see the merit in even trialling the back pass ban. “It’s absolutely ridiculous,” he said. “Becoming a goalkeeper is actually an attractive position nowadays. Most goalkeepers are ball players. They’re well able to kick it and carry it. Why would you take that away?”
Kerry hammer Mayo to maintain home record If you’re a player from a rival county, the ‘Welcome to Killarney’ signs leading into our little town must read like a threat. For a place renowned for receiving each and every one of its visitors with open arms, Killarney remains the least hospitable spot in the country when it comes to senior intercounty football. Kerry were superb against Mayo on Sunday and their unbeaten home run in the championship, which extends all the way back to 1995, remains fully intact. In the past 24 years, 31 teams have arrived at the Fitzgerald Stadium in search of a victory. 31 teams
AUGUST
Martin shoots 11 under to break course record Killarney Golf and Fishing Club honorary member Mairead Martin shot a ladies’ record-breaking 11 under par 63 at a recent open day hosted on Killarney’s Irish Open Killeen Course. The 19-year-old, now a +3 handicapper, shot an incredible 10 birdies, one eagle and one bogey for a superb 45 stableford points to win
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SPORT
SPORT
30.08.2019
ADAM MOYNIHAN E: sport@killarneyadvertiser.ie SEE OUR COLUMNISTS’ COVERAGE OF THE WEEK IN SPORT EAMONN FITZGERALD & SEAN MORIARTY
| By Adam Moynihan
Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamMoynihan
THE IMPOSSIBLE
DREAM Kerry’s young guns can halt Dublin’s Drive for Five but they’ll need to play the perfect game, writes Adam Moynihan
the competition, which was open to visitors and members (male and female) with an official ILGU/GUI handicap. Martin took up golf at the age of 11 is currently on a scholarship at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. She is aiming to follow her dreams of becoming a professional golfer by the end of her four years. She enters year two at the end of August.
On August 30, Killarney Advertiser sports editor Adam Moynihan suggested that Kerry could do the “impossible” and defeat Dublin in the All-Ireland final. Unfortunately, he was only nearly right.
have failed to get one. We expected Mayo to provide one of the sternest – if not the sternest – test in years but for whatever reason, that’s not how it panned out. Having said all that, Kerry were really good. Peter Keane made four changes from the dummy team that was named on Friday night and considering how things went down on the day, you certainly couldn’t fault his team selection or his tactics. There was some redemption for David Moran who prior to Sunday’s game had struggled to find his feet after an extended spell out through injury.
Keane’s young guns can crash the party It’s a big ask to get everything right and I suppose with all the talk of how good Dublin are, it’s hard to be optimistic. How do you stop the unstoppable? I believe it was Helen Keller who once said (I say “believe”, I obviously googled it) that optimism is the faith that leads to achieve-
ment, and that nothing can be done without hope and confidence. If there’s one thing Kerry fans are rarely lacking, it’s hope, and if there’s one thing Kerry players are rarely lacking, it’s confidence. Let’s bring both on Sunday and see what happens.
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FACTS | PAUDIE O'CONNOR WAS INDUCTED INTO THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME IN MAY
SPORT REVIEW 2019
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SEPTEMBER
SPORT REVIEW 2019
3.01.2020
Heartbreak for Kerry as Dubs make history A remarkable goal by half-back Eoin Murchan just nine seconds into the second half proved crucial as Dublin defeated Kerry 1-18 to 0-15 in the 2019 All-Ireland SFC final replay on Saturday.
The Kingdom weathered an early storm to go in level at 10 points apiece at the break but Murchan’s strike, the only goal of the game, very much set the tone for a second half in which the defending champions were dominant.
Exhibiting the consummate professionalism that Jim Gavin’s charges have become known for, Dublin kept Kerry at arm’s length down the stretch and in truth they were good value for their six-point win.
Kerry had the champions on the ropes in the drawn game but the replay proved to be a bridge too far as Dublin became the first senior men’s team in the history of the GAA to win five All-Ireland titles in a row.
From Kenya to Killarney
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER SPORT REVIEW 2019
The following is an excerpt from a profile piece by Adam Moynihan on Paul Kiongera, a Kenyan international footballer with 25 caps who signed for Killarney Athletic in September […] Apart from having to adjust to the tactics and the cooler climate (“when you wrap up properly, it’s not a prob-
lem”), Paul has had little difficulty finding his feet in Kerry, something he attributes to the warmth of the locals. “I was surprised the way people are very friendly. I wasn’t expecting it because it’s different in Africa. When you are walking on the road, somebody will say ‘hi’. You see people chatting and you think that they know each other but no, they are just chatting."
OCTOBER
O’Regan’s comments are damaging Kerry soccer The following is an excerpt from an opinion piece by Adam Moynihan on controversial comments made by KDL secretary John O’Regan […] Sticking by John Delaney at this stage of proceedings is dumbfounding and when the head of the Kerry District League continues to do so, it undoubtedly causes reputational damage to Kerry soccer. Does O’Regan genuinely not see what Delaney has done wrong (which would be very concerning) or is he misusing his position and status to defend the indefensible (also very concerning)?
Lakers see off Carlow in tense home opener A late three-point play by new Danish signing Toby Christensen proved crucial as the Scotts Lakers held on for a 89-84 win against IT Carlow on Saturday. The Lakers led by 14 heading into the fourth quarter but the visitors fought back down the stretch to cut the deficit to just a single point. With the Lakers’ star man Aaron Jackson fouled out, momentum appeared to be on
Carlow’s side but the hosts steadied the ship and Christensen’s basket and subsequent free throw all but sealed the victory. Crucially, this result sees the Lakers improve to 1-1 (one win and one defeat) ahead of this week’s double-header against promotion favourites Ballincollig and the Waterford Vikings, both of whom are currently undefeated.
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NOVEMBER
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In April, veteran goalkeeper James Devane was dropped for Spa’s crucial Intermediate Championship opener against Templenoe. Hurt by the decision, the 35-yearold teacher gave serious consideration to quitting football entirely. Little did he know that just a few short months later, he’d be in Austin Stack Park on county final day, standing between the sticks for the best team in Kerry. “I had a decision to make then," Devane said. "I had to either try and get my place back or I could have walked away. I suppose I stuck it out, and Sunday was a nice reward for that.”
East Kerry capture county title in style East Kerry bridged a 20-year gap on Sunday last when they stopped Dr Crokes’ bid for fourin-a-row with a resounding 2-14 to 1-7 Kerry SFC final victory in Tralee. East Kerry made full use of the wind to lead by 0-9 to 0-5 at the interval. Man of the Match Paudie Clifford was very industrious and his incisive running at the Crokes defence provided the best opportunities for East Kerry
to score. Meanwhile, Evan Cronin was making the most of his opportunities to get on the scoresheet. The Spa forward scored two fine points before halftime and added two more in the second half. Midfield possession worked out evenly with Liam Kearney and Johnny Buckley sharing the spoils. The Crokes forwards found the going tough with Chris O’Donoghue and Niall Donohue impressing in the East Kerry defence.
DECEMBER EAST KERRY CHAMPIONSHIP: FINAL _______________________________________________________________________________
Killarney Legion
1-18 | Dr Crokes 3-6
FITZGERALD STADIUM The Killarney Legion are champions of East Kerry for the first time since 1976 after a rousing 1-18 to 3-6 victory over their fiercest rivals, Dr Crokes, in the Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday.
Legion blitz Dr Crokes to end club’s 43-year famine
A stunning start to the second half was key as the Legion doubled their halftime advantage from five to 10 and although a couple of late Crokes goals made things nervier than bainisteoir Stephen Stack would have liked, the men in green and white were more than good value for their historic win. The club from Derreen have suffered a number of agonising defeats in recent times including no fewer than four East Kerry Championship finals in the past seven years. When the final whistle finally blew, the relief was palpable as supporters flocked onto the field to congratulate their heroes. One refrain was constant above the din: “Lads, it was a long time coming”. Legion were in electrifying form from the off and with Cian Gammell, Jack O’Neill and Darragh Lyne on top form and star player James O’Donoghue
pulling the strings in the final third, they dominated proceedings from start to finish. Stephen Stack’s side led by five, 0-9 to 0-4, at the break and an incredible opening seven minutes to the second half saw the underdogs increase their advantage to double digits. Dr Crokes battled hard to close the gap and defend their title but goals by Mark O’Shea (two) and Johnny Buckley counted for little in the end as 1-4 from substitute Tom Moriarty propelled the Legion to a historic six-point win. Speaking exclusively to the Killarney Advertiser, Man of the Match Kieran Slattery, who was named amongst the substitutes but started for Legion at half back, said it “means a lot” to the players to finally get over the line. “It’s great to finish the year on a positive,” he said. “Hopefully it’ll give us a platform to build on for next year and win a few more trophies. “It’s also nice to see how happy it made all the people who taught us to play football from the time we started out as kids above in Derreen.”
FACTS | EAST KERRY'S COUNTY FINAL VICTORY WAS THEIR FIRST SINCE 1999
“In April and May I was thinking, will I pack it in?”
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3.1.2020
A WEEKLY ROUND-UP OF NEWS • VIEWS FROM KERRY AND AROUND THE WORLD
INSPIRED BY DANNY CASEY
Spaceship-shaped clouds over Kerry There were several sightings of unusual clouds over Kerry in the period between Christmas and New Year.
OLYMPIC GAMES: Emma Austin will be making her multi-sport debut at Lausanne 2020.
Irish team announced for Winter Youth Olympic Games Two Irish athletes will be setting the pace for a jam packed year of Olympic sport, when they compete for Team Ireland in the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland this month. The Lausanne 2020 Games run from January 9 – 22, and the Irish interest will be in Alpine Skiing where Matt Ryan and Emma Austin will be taking to the slopes from January 10-14. For the first time these Games will not
Trump CORNER
only be a sustainable event, they will trial a wave system. The sports are divided into two groups or waves of athletes, meaning that there will not be a point where all the athletes will be in the village at the same time. Both Ryan and Austin are competing in the first wave, and both will race at Les Diablerets Alpine Skiing Centre, two hours from Lausanne in the Slalom and Giant Slalom and Ryan will also compete in the Super – G. Massachusetts born Ryan competed for
Team Ireland last February in the Winter EYOF in Sarajevo & East Sarajevo, qualifying for the second run in the Slalom, and finishing 25th out of 104 starters, and fifth in his age group. Meanwhile, Austin will be making her multi-sport debut at Lausanne 2020, and has competed internationally at both Alpine Skiing and Lacrosse. “We have a small but strong team coming to Lausanne in January, and I’m really excited about what both Matt and Emma can do out there,” said Olympic Federation of Ireland Chef de Mission for the Winter Youth Olympic Games, Nancy Chillingworth. “Matt raced last year in the EYOF in Sarajevo and brings with him a lot of experience and determination in his final year in the junior ranks. Emma also brings an interesting range of experience, with both international experience in Skiing and in Lacrosse. I’m looking forward to working with them both.”
Trump not a fan of Home Alone movie The Trump family were in movie-watching mode over the holidays but probably won’t count themselves as fans of ‘Home Alone 2 Lost in New York’ after a scene involving Donald Trump was cut from the movie ahead of its television adaption. Such practice is normal as broadcasters try to fit in advert breaks into tight schedules. In total over
eight minutes have been cut from the 1992 theatre version of the film including a couple of seconds where main character Kevin asks Trump for directions in the lobby of the Trump-owned Plaza Hotel. These scenes have been cut from the original film many years ago - but it was only noticed in recent weeks after Trump supporters decided it was a purposeful attack on the President.
They are known as lenticular clouds and look a lot like the traditional shape of flying saucers in science fiction. Lenticular clouds are believed to be one of the most common explanations for UFO sightings across the world. Sightings in Ireland are rare but not unusual. They form when the air is stable and winds blow across hills and mountains from the same or similar direction at different heights through the troposphere. On the ground, they can result in very strong gusty winds in one place, with still air only a few hundred metres away. Pilots tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence that accompany them. Skilled glider pilots tend to seek them out because they can tell from the shape of the clouds where the air will be rising – the key to getting their aircraft to fly higher and longer.
"As is often the case with feature films adapted for television, ‘Home Alone 2’ was edited for time," CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson said. "The scene with Donald Trump was one of several that were cut from the movie as none of them were integral to the plot. These edits were done in 2014, when we first acquired the film and before Mr. Trump was elected president." The edit was picked up by rightwing news outlets, sparking fury among the president’s supporters. That included his son Donald Trump Jr, who, during Christmas, shared a link to a news article suggesting the edit was an example of “virulent left wing media bias”.
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Australian wildfires set to get worse over the weekend Military ships and helicopters have begun evacuating thousands of people from Australia’s south east coast as bush fires continue to blaze.
SPORT AWARD: Pictured from left: Deirdre Veldon (Deputy Editor, The Irish Times), Outstanding Achievement winner Mary Geaney, and Lynne Cantwell (Chair of Women in Sport Committee). Photo: Nick Bradshaw
Castleisland native receives sport award One of Kerry’s greatest sporting heroes was honoured at The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman Awards. Castleisland’s Mary Geaney was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award 2019. Geaney captained her native county to All-Ireland football glory before going on to lead Cork’s camogie team to All-Ireland success, the first player to achieve such a feat. She captained Kerry to football success in 1976 – she scored 3-2 in the final win over Offaly, the first hat trick in a lady’s final before going on to win three All-Ireland
Several towns are under threat as more than 200 fires are burning across the south-eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria. Authorities urged a mass exodus from several towns on the southeast coast, an area hugely popular in the current summer peak holiday season, warning that extreme heat forecast for the weekend will further fuel the fires. “The priority today is fighting fires and evacuating, getting people to safety,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Sydney. “There are parts of both Victoria and New South Wales which have been completely devastated, with a loss of power and communications.” Morrison was confronted by angry residents when he visited a wildfire-ravaged town on Thursday. He was touring the town of Cobargo in New South Wales when he was heckled
by locals who criticised his response to the bushfires. One woman shouted: “What about the people who are dead now Mr Prime Minister?” Eight people have been killed by wildfires in the eastern states since Monday, and 18 are still missing, officials said on Thursday. A naval ship arrived on Thursday at the south eastern coastal town of Mallacoota, where 4,000 residents and visitors have been stranded on the beach since Monday night. “It’s 16-17 hours to the closest boat port, then we’ve got to come back,” Navy Commander Scott Houlihan said at an information session yesterday (Thursday). He said that leaving by boat was the only way out of the town. Snow and glaciers in New Zealand have turned brown after being exposed to dust from the Australian bushfires. On Wednesday many parts of the South Island woke up to an orange haze and red sun, after smoke from the Australian bushfires drifted east on Tuesday night, smothering many parts of the island for most of the day.
camogie medals with Cork. While her GAA exploits form a huge part of the Mary Geaney story, there is much more. Geaney also played hockey for Ireland, making her international debut as goalkeeper in 1971 against England. She went on to represent her country 65 times and was a member of the Ireland teams that won the 1977 Triple Crown and the 1983 Women’s Intercontinental Cup. She was inducted into the Irish Hockey Association Hall of Fame in 2010. She also played squash, badminton and golf for Munster and managed her golf club, Killarney, to Irish Senior Cup success in 2017.
Ireland among worst EU countries for foreign languages On a list of all 28 EU countries, Ireland sits fourth in a table of those who cannot speak another language. Data collected by theknowledgeacademy.com shows that 49.2 percent of Irish people cannot speak another language. Looking at the most recent data on the number of foreign languages known theknowledgeacademy.com found Brits are behind every EU country when it comes to knowing another language. In fact, 65.4% of Brits admit they can’t speak any other language. They’re just ahead of Romania (64.2%), Hungary (57.6%) and Bulgaria (50.5%). Comparably, Sweden has the lowest
percentage of people who can’t speak any other language – at 3.4%. This means approximately 96.6% of Swedish people can speak at least one other language. The example set by Sweden is closely followed by Denmark (4.2%), Latvia (4.2%) and Lithuania (4.5%). Slightly behind these three countries, but with remarkable rates still, is Luxembourg (5.5%) and Finland (8%). In fact, these figures indicate 94.5% of locals in Luxembourg can speak a second language. While 92% of Finns – known to be fluent in Finnish, Swedish and English among others – can speak at least one other language.
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SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
Beauty - By Jill O'Donoghue
Jill is available for advice and beauty consultations, at Killarney Toning & Beauty Studio. Call 064 6632966
New year…. new you It’s that time of year again - when people are trying to keep their New Year resolutions. However, instead of giving up something you actually like to do, it might be time to take up an interest that’s actually good for you! If you are thinking of taking up exercise this year, but have tried doing this every year, I think you know that it’s not going to stick if you really don’t like the gym, then why not try a free trial on the toning tables? Being open for the past 30 years speaks volumes for itself. The toning tables are a resistant form of exercise based on Pilates which concentrate on the core and pelvic floor muscles giving you strength from inside out. We have six toning tables that work on different areas of the body. For best results you really need to be using the tables three to four times a week. The more often you use them the faster the results. Like any form of exercise you need to watch your diet and eat respon-
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sibly. I feel the best thing to do is make little changes that are realistic to make it a long term change, otherwise it won’t last. Increase water intake, two to three litres is best and it’s the cheapest and most natural food supplement. Often we feel hunger when we really are thirsty and keeping hydrated is the best thing you can do for your body. Warm or room temperature water is best as cold water can slow down digestion. Increase fruit, vegetables and raw food intake and reduce sugar and carbohydrates. Why not call in for a free trial - you have nothing to lose but inches. Happy New Year everyone, Jill
ENTERPRISING: Students from St Brigid’s Presentation School Killarney held their annual Enterprise Christmas Market helping to raise funds for Pieta House. Pictured were: Mícheál O'Shea, Molly Jenkinson, Clodagh Lucey, Orna Driver, Jessica Fuller, Sarah Cox, Colm Cooper (AIB), Alanna O’Connor (AIB), Maeve Townsend (Local Enterprise Office), Natalia Welgarz and Vikey Bankosz.
St Brigid’s generating entrepreneurs of the future St Brigid’s Presentation School Killarney was the place to be for Christmas shopping in the run up to the holidays. The school held their annual Enterprise Christmas Market where 148 students aged between 13 and 18 formed their own mini companies and set up their stalls from 9am to showcase their products to parents, fellow students and their teachers. The students are encouraged to get creative and design their own products ranging from Christmas baked goods, decorations, fashionwear and even locker shelves. The ever-increasing high standard of products for sale is only just one part of what the Christmas Market promotes. The students gain a very valuable learning experience in what it’s like to run your own business and market your goods to budding customers. The event was sponsored by the local
AIB branch in Killarney, who provided prizes and two insightful judges on the day. St Brigid’s also collaborate with the local enterprise office in Tralee to provide the students with first hand guidance through every step of the process in creating your own business. In the spirit of Christmas, the students are advised to donate a portion of their profits to the event’s chosen charity Pieta House to raise funds for the non-profit organisation. The Christmas spirit was there in abundance as over €600 was raised. The show is not over yet as a few Transition Year students are on the cusp of qualifying for the Local Enterprise County Finals in Tralee in the New Year.
THINGS TO DO
IN KILLARNEY THIS WEEK
• CINDERELLA – THE MAGIC PANTOMIME Friday to Sunday (times vary) INEC Arena •P ARK RUN Saturday 9.30am Killarney House •N ATIONAL LEAGUE BASKETBALL Scotts Lakers v Ballincollig Saturday, 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre
•L EGEND OF LUKE KELLY Saturday, 8.30pm INEC Arena •K ILLARNEY ON ICE (LAST DAY) Sunday, 11am to 8pm Beech Road car park
If you'd like to advertise your event email info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
CHEQUE: Members of Killarney London Reunion Committee presented a cheque for £1,000 to members of Kerry Mountain Rescue, proceeds from the very successful 50th anniversary dinner and dance held in London in November. Pictured from l-r: Sheila Casey, Cathal Cudden, John Cronin, James Cahill, Noel O'Sullivan, Sheila Dickson, Laura Kelly and Sean Tangney.
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| By Adam Moynihan
SEE PAGE 78 IN THIS WEEK’S KILLARNEY ADVERTISER SPORT… • Killarney Advertiser Team of the Year is named • Part 1 of our annual Players’ Review • The Week in Pictures • All the latest from your club in our notes section
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Welcome to our New Year, New You, special feature Feeling like you want to be a better version of yourself in 2020? This week we have the perfect feature if you are hoping to set new goals for 2020, from taking up a new activity whether it’s taking on a new sport, running a marathon or just improving your fitness in general. It highlights the many ways you can work towards such fitness goals and will also focus on general health, well-being and beauty. In next week’s edition (Friday, January 10), we have our ever popular wedding feature
ACTIVATE
which will be showcasing all the best options available locally. We offer fantastic rates and have an extensive readership to ensure your message gets out there so that you can reach your target market.
•T o place an ad in our special features, contact us on 064 6632215, email: sales@killarneyadvertiser.ie. or visit www.killarneyadvertiser.ie
SLIMMING WORLD
The best exercises and diet for January Christmas is such a fantastic time of the year spent with loved ones and there are usually extra social gatherings which is fantastic as we get to properly catch-up and make some time for each other. However, some of you might be feeling a little over indulged and sluggish about now and might be looking at starting 2020 off with a new routine of health and fitness at its core. Here is the best advise we can give on this: 1. Don’t go from first to fifth gear. You’ll burn out your clutch and break yourself in the process! • Many gyms will be talking about “Burning off the Turkey” or some garbage like that! What they should be more concerned with is helping you build effective habits for the rest of the year, not come looking for a quick buck in January. We tend to be more concerned with what we eat from Christmas to New Year, when really we should look to build good habits that see us eating a healthy diet from the New Year to Christmas. You need to start gently and gradually “work-in” higher intensity, weights, complexity etc. • At Activate we start everybody with one to one training so we can meet
you at your level and help you become more comfortable, learn correct technique and then we both decide what is best for you to reach your goals. 2. Take your time deciding. • Don’t fall for the first gym you see. Call into all of them, chat to the coaches and get a feel for the place. “Is this where I can see myself fitting in and enjoying my training? Would I get along with the coaches and members?” • Is it convenient? Is there parking, showers and other amenities that mean I can get in and out even on days when I’m in a rush and have other things to do. • Do they offer a dedicated nutrition service? If not, you can work out all you like, but if you don’t sort your nutrition the reality is you might not see any meaningful change if you don’t also amend your current nutritional habits. Remember, health and fitness isn’t just for New Years, it should be something you enjoy as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
SLIMMING SUCCESS: Slimming World c onsultants Nora Butler, Hayley Carter and Marie O'Sullivan, run a number of groups in the Killarney area. Photo: Michelle Crean
Consultants ready to help you lose the Christmas pounds
Three Killarney weight loss consultants saw their groups shed a whopping 118 and a half stone during December! Nora Butler, Hayley Carter and Marie O'Sullivan, who found slimming success through Slimming World before becoming fully qualified consultants, are now motivating people from Killarney and surrounds to lose the pounds! In 2012, Nora at 17 stone felt unmotivated and lethargic and lived in the one Munster rugby jersey. However, joining SW changed her life so much so that she’s now helping others. “I shied away from occasions and people identified me by my Munster top. The group helped me ditch old habits and stay on target.” Now she’s running a SW group at the KDYS Fair Hill every Thursday at 7.30am, 9.30am and 11.30am. Hayley, who runs groups in the Brehon Hotel on Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm as well as in An Sean Scoil, Sunhill, Killorglin at 7.30am and 9.30am, lost a total of 6.5 stone since joining in
November 2012. “I couldn’t go through another Christmas a stone heavier,” Hayley told the Killarney Advertiser. “I was getting married that May and lost 3.5 stone by then. Now as a consultant I love seeing members’ successes.” Marie runs groups in The Brehon Hotel on Tuesday mornings at 7.30am, 9.30am and 11.30am. On Wednesdays she’s at Hotel Killarney with two groups, one at 5pm and the second at 7pm. Then on Saturday mornings her groups at the same venue are at 7.30am and 9.30am. She also lost 6.5 stone and felt becoming a consultant to help others was the right path for her. “I had a burning desire to help others,” she said. “If I won the Lotto I’d still run my groups.”
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CLUB VITAE
Health, fitness and relaxation at Club Vitae If you’re looking for a new fitness challenge in 2020 - then we have all you need in Club Vitae Killarney. Starting a new fitness regime doesn’t have to be all work and no play. We want you to start in our spacious air conditioned gym with cardio theatre that will take the boredom out of your workout. There’s plenty of channels to choose from, from the soaps to your favourite music channels. We have lots of floor space for stretching and core work, and machines and free weights for toning and conditioning. Our qualified staff are on hand to assist you during your workout. Reward yourself
after with a visit to our pool area where you will find our relaxing jacuzzi for those aching and tired muscles or a visit to our steam room as our members say it’s the best in town! Take a dip in our 18 metre pool to cool down and after relax on one of our many pool loungers where you will always meet someone to have a chat with. We bet you will leave feeling happy and refreshed and that’s our guarantee in Club Vitae Killarney.
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NEW EVENING CLASSES AVAILABLE Starting from 6th January
Midday and evening classes available Strength and conditioning classes for mature adults. • Full physiotherapy assessment before commencing | • 2 Classes per week run by a chartered physiotherapist - Proven reduction in fall related injuries | - Maintain Independence and a more robust lifestyle into your senior years - A good social outlet | - Resistance training is effective for: • osteoporosis • arthritis • high blood pressure and diabetes
To book your free assessment call Sam on: 089 422 8493 SAM TREHARNE PHYSIO
Activate Masters: here to help people Strength training is for all ages and abilities despite what you may think about your body or have been told by professionals like GPs, physiotherapists, and others. Too many people step through the doors of Treharne Physiotherapy with the idea that they are fragile or broken and that strength training is not suitable for them. This is not only wrong but actually detrimental to your own physical and mental well-being. Activate Masters was created out of the desire to help people with all man-
ner of health conditions improve their quality of life and keep doing the things they love and enjoy. Current members started the class with issues such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, previous joint replacements, back and hip pain. All of their physical markers and pain has improved over their time attending.
Our progressive programme is based on the highest quality evidence that loading your spine and muscles in a slow and progressive way is beneficial to your overall physical strength. It has also proven effective at: • Reducing resting heart rate • Improving blood pressure; reducing the need for medication • Improving functional ability to cycle, walk and keep active e.g. gardening without pain. Some feedback from members in the class includes:
• Renewed confidence and motivation • Less worried about lifting • Shoulder pain and problem improved • Group atmosphere makes it enjoyable A free assessment to see whether you would be suitable to attend the class is part of the service. So, if you have been previously told to stop bending and lifting, want to be fitter as you get older, or just to not feel so tired after gardening - get in touch.
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Killarney is the perfect town for fitness and fun Focusing on unveiling a new you this year is a goal that is very easily attained. Since the beginning of January, Killarney’s highways, byways and gyms have been the focus of much activity as people of all ages strive to attain their personal best when it comes to achieving peak fitness. And of course as any fitness trainer will tell you, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Whether you are signing up for gym membership or joining one of the many fantastic fitness classes on offer in Killarney, or indeed taking to the great outdoors, for biking, hiking, kayaking or
Get set for action
Killarney and its surrounds offer such a plethora of activities that there is no excuse - get up and out there when it comes to moving more! With springtime around the corner, we can all make the most of the fact that our locality – including of course Killarney National Park – is a natural playground for those who like to keep fit, whether through gentle strolls and bike rides or more extreme sports like mountain or rock climbing. And whether you simply want to shape up a little, or are planning to run a marathon or complete an event such as the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle or The Glen-
eagle Run Killarney Marathon, you will find yourself spoilt for choice with the facilities – both natural and manmade – that abound in this area. A veritable natural arena sits on our very doorstep, just waiting to be explored and enjoyed, whatever your age or fitness level. Not only that, but the greater Killarney area is home to numerous gyms and pools where you can boost your health and well-being at your pace of choice.
running, Killarney and Kerry will leave you absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to activity options. We are blessed to be living in an area that is so conducive to promoting health and well-being, from our wonderful natural surrounds to the choice of highly qualified fitness instructors and excellent facilities. From Pilates to yoga and from extreme fitness to a gentle jog, the greater Killarney area offers you no end of choice when it comes to setting targets big and small.
MOTORING
CAR SERVICE CRASH REPAIRSTYRES
MOTORING
CONTACT US: T: 064-6632215 or E: sean@killarneyadvertiser.ie
country. Saturday night’s awards do, at The Anvil Bar, in Keel, Castlemaine was attended by close to 150 people including Minister Brendan Griffin. One of the highlights of the series is the presentation of the Paudie Casey Memorial Trophy to the person or persons who
have made the greatest contribution to motorsport in Kerry over the last 12 months. The trophy remembers the great Kerry Motor Club member who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and the winner is a closely guarded secret until the presentation night. This year’s winners were, Killarney and District Motor Club Members Orla Galvin-Griffin and her two daughters Ciara and Meabh Griffin. The family team have been involved in the running of all three rallies in the county during the 2019 season. The Ballyvourney-based rally family have marshalled all over the country and are in some sort of volunteer role every weekend. The Drivers’ Championship was won by Tralee’s Darren Young, with Killarney’s Alan Ring taking second, and Rockfield’s Aidan Buckley third. The co-drivers category was dominated by KDMC members with Paul Nagle taking the top co-driver award, while Tara Duggan took second. There was a tie for
Killarney Toning & Beauty Studio In the Fair Hill Car Park Tel : 064 - 6632966
TONING TABLES BOOK A FREE TRIAL PILATES BASED EXERCISE Opening hours : Mon & Thurs 10-7.30 • Wed & Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-5 Week 03 • 19th January 2018 • vol 77 • 3rd Edition • Issue 2321 • Established March 1973 • www.Killarneyadvertiser.ie • 064 6632215 • info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
NEWS MAGAZINE
Local competitors win big at county championship awards
Now celebrating its second year, it is the only county rally championship in the
By Sean Moriarty
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE
COUNTY CHAMPION: Tralee driver Darren Young receiving his County Championship trophy from World Rally star Craig Breen at the Kingdom of Kerry awards presentation at The Anvil Bar Keel on Saturday night. Photo by Liz Ryle O’Connor
World Rally Championship star Craig Breen was the surprise guest of honour at the Moriarty’s Centra Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship awards presentation on Saturday night.
3.1.2020
© Published by KILLARNEY ADVERTISER LTD. Printed by KILLARNEY ADVERTISER. This product is 100% recyclable - Please recycle when used. © All artwork by the Killarney Advertiser and third parties in this issue are protected by Copyright. The Killarney Advertiser reserves the right to alter the content of any advertisement before publication without prior notice.
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O’Sullivan
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third place and that was shared by Ronald O’Riordan and Nicky Burke. Rathmore’s Donal O’Connor took the Historic Drivers’ title while there was another tie in the Co-Drivers’ League and this was shared by Abbeydorney’s Tony McCarthy and Rathmore’s Pat Cashman.
RUNNER UP: Alan Ring receiving his County Medal from World Rally star Craig Breen at the Kingdom of Kerry awards presentation at The Anvil Bar Keel on Saturday night. Photo by Ray Corkery
MOTORING
3.1.2020
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MOTORING
3.1.2020
Testing all makes of vehicles: VANS TRUCKS TRAILERS BUSES AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS
Other Services: ADR TACHOGRAPH STATION SAFE LOAD PASS ATC APPROVED TEST CENTRE PRETESTS & VOLUNTARY TESTS
Limerick Rd, Castleisland, Co Kerry, Ireland V92 WY03
THE AWARD-WINNING PEUGEOT 2020 RANGE ORDER YOUR 201 DURING THE PEUGEOT DRIVETIME EVENT, NOW ON AT REEN’S RATHMORE
REEN’S RATHMORE www.reenscarsales.ie Main Peugeot Dealers, Rathmore, Co. Kerry. Tel: 064 7758150 Combined consumption (l/100 km): from 5.1 to 57.8. CO2 emissions (g/km)range from 108 to 145.
Finance Example: Peugeot Partner Access 1.5 BlueHdi 75bhp Retail Price† €17,666. Customer deposit / Trade In €5,485.00. Finance Amount €12,181.00. 60 monthly payments of €218. Total Cost of Credit €1,243.98. Fixed 3.9%* APR (Annual Percentage Rate) as at 1 November 2019.†Includes delivery & related charges. Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. *Lending criteria and conditions apply (Over 18s only). APR is inclusive of a documentation fee and purchase fee of €63.49 each. To qualify for this Finance Offer a minimum deposit of 20% is required. Rate quoted is correct as at 1 November 2019 and is subject to change. Offer available on all new Partner, Expert and Boxer vans registered from 1 November 2019 until 31 January 2019 at participating dealers. This is a Consumer Hire Purchase agreement provided by Bank of Ireland t/a Bank of Ireland Finance. Ownership remains with Bank of Ireland until the final payment is made.
NEWS
3.1.2020
69
Anne Looney (Lady Captain) presenting Bank of Ireland Ladies competition to winner Sinead O’Shea with Breda Neeson and Marguerita Mulcahy (Club President) at Killarney Golf Club. Harry O’Neill (Captain, third from left) presenting the Arbutus Cup sponsored by Killarney Printing to winner Derek O’Keeffe with (left) Con O’Connor 2nd, Marguerita Mulcahy (Club President, back from left) Peter O’Brien, Cat 2 winner, Shane O’Sullivan Cat 1 winner, Seamus Doheny 5th, Ivan Tangney Cat 3 winner and Mike Maher 3rd at Killarney Golf Club.
Killarney Golf Club end of year celebrations St Stephen’s Day is always one of most important days of competition for members of Killarney Golf Club as the membership contests The Arbutus Cup.
Derek O’Keefe took home the coveted trophy this year on a score of 42 for the individual stableford competition. The following day the club handed some of its yearly trophies.
Marguerita Mulcahy (Club President, fifth from left) presenting first prize in the Joe Geaney Castleisland Mixed Competition to winners Máire and John Geaney with (left) Mary Geaney and Dermot Roche 2nd, Harry O’Neill (Club Captain), Anne Looney (Lady Captain, back) Amy Arthur and Donal Considine Best Gross, Breda Neeson and Brian Clarke 5th, Gemma and Kevin Leacy 3rd, Denis Coleman and Marguerita Mulcahy 4th at Killarney Golf Club recently.
Club President Marguerita Mulcahy (front centre) with (from left) Christian Casey (Junior Boys Captain), Harry O’Neill (Captain), Anne Looney (Lady Captain) and Corrina Griffin (Junior Girls Captain) and club members at the President and Captain’s Drive In at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Killarney recently.
Anne Looney (Lady Captain) presenting the ILGU Junior mMedal to Corrina Griffin with Harry O’Neill (Captain) and Marguerita Mulcahy (Club President) at Killarney Golf Club.
Pat O’Leary (recently retired Managing Director Liebherr Container Crane Killarney, second from left) receiving a special presentation for his support to Killarney Golf Club from Marguerita Mulcahy (Club President), Adrian Brennan (Killarney Golf Club Chairman Management Council), Harry O’Neill (Captain) and Anne Looney (Lady Captain) at Killarney Golf Club on Sunday.
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NOTICES
GRAB ATTENTION WITH A NOTICE AD CONTACT US ON: T: 064-6632215 or E: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
PRESENTATION: Mark Egan on behalf of the INEC Arena presents a framed poster to Irish Band Picture This who created their own record when they sold out their Killarney show in 3.5 minutes at the INEC Arena in Killarney. Included are band members from left: Owen Cardiff, Jimmy Rainsford, Patrick O'Donoghue (The Gleneagle Group), Ryan Hennessy (Lead Singer), Cliff Deane and Brian Whitehead (Band Manager). Photo: Don MacMonagle.
Picture This play new look INEC Arena | By Sean Moriarty Top Irish band Picture This entertained over 4,000 at their resent Killarney gig – and were the first group to play at the newly rebranded Gleneagle INEC Arena The Kildare-based band comprising of Ryan Hennessy, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff and Cliff Deane saw 4142 INEC tickets snapped up within three minutes of going on sale last July. The band wowed the audience with top hits such as ‘Take My Hand’, ‘Let's Be Young’ and ‘Modern Love’ at the Arena which recently had an investment of over half a million euro in production and technology, across lighting, sound and audio-visual systems, as well as an increase in capacity.
“Picture This first played with us back in 2015 as part of their ‘Journey Starts Here’ tour and we knew then they were destined for greatness,” Mark Egan, Director of Entertainment Gleneagle INEC Arena, said. Picture This released their self-titled full-length debut album in 2017 going triple-platinum in Ireland, holding the number one spot in the Irish Album Chart for four weeks, and also topping the Streaming Chart for seven weeks. Live, the band have sold over 400K tickets, selling out a stadium tour in Ireland last summer and becoming the first act ever to play and sell out five nights at 3arena in Dublin. “This was a very important project for us,” Mark added. “There is a certain kind of energy here, not replicated anywhere else.”
ON THE TOWN: At the Picture This in the INEC Arena, Killarney were from left, Roisin Anghim, Caoimhe Fleming, Caitlin Fleming, Amiee Purtill and Noelle Croke. Photo: Don MacMonagle.
!
SPORT EXTRA
For the best in local extra sport news turn to PAGE 86
ADVERTISING
3.1.2020
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THE POWER OF ADVERTISING At Corrib Oil we supply low cost, high quality home heating oil, road diesel and agricultural diesel, 6 days a week throughout Killarney and the surrounding areas. Our local office staff and local delivery drivers pride themselves on a prompt, reliable service. We know the importance of creating awareness and advertising locally and have been using the Killarney Advertiser since we opened our Killarney Office in 2014 to make our customers aware of the great value we can offer. The team are helpful, friendly and professional, and always willing to accommodate our requests. Without our weekly ad, which reaches our large and varied target market, we would not be as busy, and the Advertiser has certainly contributed to our success down through the years. We look forward to working with them in the 2020s!
Dan Doonan
Corrib Oil College Street, Killarney
The Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is home to Ireland’s largest whiskey collection with over 1,200 whiskeys from Ireland and beyond; as well as a range of over 60 Irish craft gins, a directly sourced wine list and 12 craft beer taps. Bespoke cocktails also take pride of place as does local, seasonal Irish cuisine. From the outset of launching our business in March 2016, we have worked with the fantastic team at the Killarney Advertiser to drive awareness about our business to the local market. The team are extremely professional and accommodating whether this may be tailoring an advertising package to a budget, adding in an extra editorial or last minute print deadlines. We would highly recommend working with the Killarney Advertiser to any new or existing business who want to reach customers or potential customers in the county.
Julie O’ Shea
Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, 93 New Street, Killarney
BOOST YOUR BUSINESS NOW, call us on 064 6632215 Unit 1C, Park Place, High Street, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland • info@ killarneyadvertiser.ie • www.killarneyadvertiser.ie
Switzer Reproduced with permission by Switzer Archive ©
A R C H I V E
Kenmare Road, Killarney 1970’s (these ‘for hire’ tourist wagons were a familiar sight on the roads of Kerry)
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NEWS
3.1.2020
NEWS BRIEFS... New footpaths for Listry cemetery
TO CONTACT THE KILLARNEY ADVERTISER TEAM PLEASE EMAIL: • NEWSDESK: newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie • JOURNALIST: sean@killarneyadvertiser.ie • EDITOR: editor@killarneyadvertiser.ie
• INFO: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie • SALES: sales@killarneyadvertiser.ie • SPORT: sport@killarneyadvertiser.ie
Tel: 064 6632215 • www.killarneyadvertiser.ie
SUDOKU
LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
2 5 9 7 6 3 4 1 8 8 7 6 2 1 4 9 3 5 3 1 4 9 5 8 2 7 6 1 3 7 5 4 9 6 8 2 9 8 5
1 2 6 3 4 7
4 6 2 3 8 7 5 9 1 6 9 1 8 3 2 7 5 4
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. No math, nothing has to add up – solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.
5 4 3 6 7 1 8 2 9 7 2 8 4 9 5 1 6 3
this week’s prize...
€30.00 RICK KENNY
MONASTERY GARDENS DEADLINE FOR SUDUKO ENTRIES IS TUESDAY AT 5.30PM.
Please enter your NAME, ADDRESS and TELEPHONE below and send your sudoku answers to the SUDOKO COMPETITION, KILLARNEY ADVERTISER by the following TUESDAY AT 5.30pm and you will be entered into a free prize draw. Strictly one per household. Prizes must be collected within four weeks.
name:
address:
1 9 3 5 9 2 1 4 8 6 5 4 2 3 4 6 1 5
3
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8 1 7 4
Cllr Brendan Cronin has secured funding to improve the footpaths in the grounds of Listry Cemetery. Kerry County Council has confirmed the allocation of €2000 to tarmac footpaths in graveyard. An engineer has been appointed to the project and work will be carried in current year. “I have allocated this to carry out further improvements and enhancement to the footpaths in Listry cemetery,” Cllr Cronin told the Killarney Advertiser. “This work will involve putting tarmacadam on internal footpaths to join up with previous works. It will improve accessibility within the Cemetery, particularly for people who have difficulty with mobility.” ................................................................
Public talk this January The Diocese of Kerry will host a conversation on ‘Faith in the face of life’s challenges’ in The Gleneagle Ballroom, Muckross Road, Killarney next Wednesday, January 8 at 8pm. Ian O’Connell, Killarney, Elma Walsh, Tralee, Anne Alcock, Killarney and Fr Donal O’Connor, Tralee, will share how faith has enabled them to face what life has thrown at them and Deirdre Walsh, Radio Kerry, will chair the conversation. Admission is free and all are welcome. ................................................................
Anam Cara Kerry parent support evening Anam Cara Kerry will host a parent support evening in the Recovery Haven, 5 Haigs Terrace, Killerisk, Tralee on January 14 at 7.20pm. Sadly, over 2,000 families a year will lose a child and Anam Cara are there to support these bereaved parents at a time when they need it most. We will provide a safe and comfortable space in which to remember and to be open with your grief. Anam Cara parent groups provide support from other bereaved parents who know what it’s like to feel shattered and isolated.
PROPERTIES
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PROPERTYSECTION
IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADVERTISE
CALL US: 064 6632215 OR EMAIL: INFO@KILLARNEYADVERTISER.IE
| ESTATE AGENT & AUCTIONEER’S DIRECTORY IN KILLARNEY Ted Healy 11 New St, Killarney E: killarney@dng.ie T:064 639000
Property Partners Gallivan College Square, Killarney, Co Kerry E: killarney@propertypartners.ie T: 064 6634177
TO LET: 1 bed apt Flemings Lane, 1 bed apt Loreto Rd, 1 bed apt Countess Rd, 2 bed apt Grosvenor Court, 2 bed apt Chapel Court. Phone Roger on 086-8136888. Licence No. 004026 TO LET: Large room in shared house. Very
Its4rent.ie Property Letting & Management Agent, Killarney Business Centre, Upper High St, Killarney T: 064 6634177 • E: info@its4rent.ie
clean. 3 mins walk from town centre. Excellent condition and location. All mod cons. 087-7828718 TO LET: 2 double rooms for rent in Cahernane Meadows. Shared house with 2 other working females. Call/ Text 0873139329
Maine Valley Property Old Chapel Lane, Milltown, Kerry E: info@mainevalleyproperties.com T: 066 9765577 or 087 6738210
All Ireland Properties Main Street, Rathmore, Kerry E: allirelandproperties@gmail.com T: 087 243 8182
TO LET: 3 bedroom house, fully furnished, Ath Solas, Killarney. Phone 086-4055595
up to six months. Ross Road. Available from
TO LET: Room in Woodlawn Park. Call 0872626187
TO LET: 3-4 bedroomed house in River-
TO LET: 3 bedroom house available to rent for
7422535
early January. Ring or text 0868597836 side Drive. €1,300 per month. Phone 087-
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE FOR SALE: Good dry black machine turf €4 per bag. Can deliver. 064-6632308
AVAILABLE AVAILABLE: Removal service, House, Office, Local, Nationwide deliveries, anytime-anywhere, 7 days a week. Also all kinds of clear outs etc. 087-2600407/0646631979. AVAILABLE: Music lessons, violin, fiddle, guitar, banjo. Garda vetted, Tel. John 0876801392. Piano lessons Tel. Maggie 0876961681. AVAILABLE: Church music for all occasions. For a personal and meaningful ceremony, let the voice of experience guide you through your music. Tel. Helen Kerins 087-9508050.
AVAILABLE: Brendan Herlihy home maintenance/renovations. Carpentry, painting, power washing, gardening, garden sheds repaired etc. Tel. 087-9364895/ 0646643317. AVAILABLE: Plumber available. No job too small. 087-4131612 AVAILABLE: Hard-working painter with 25 years of experience and a lot of discipline is looking for a job. Please contact Ric on 0876649895 AVAILABLE: Maths grinds available. JC/ LC, Higher/Ordinary level. One-to-one and group lessons can be accommodated. Call Jack on 0852827070 for more details.
PERSONAL ACCORD: Does your relationship need help? Contact Accord on 064-6633612
accordkillarney@eircom.net
ANIMALS ANIMALS: HUG: Homes for Unwanted Greyhounds. For further details please contact us on 087 9822695 or email homesforunwantedgreyhounds@eircom.net. ANIMALS: KLAWS (Kenmare and Locality Animal Welfare Society) We have a number of adult cats (all colours) awaiting homes. 087-9729240 or 087-9704480.
in childminder’s home. Approx times 8am to 5:15pm, depending on location. Killarney Town. Please call 086-8654774 if interested. Immediate start.
LOST & FOUND LOST: Silver locket of huge sentimental value lost in Killarney on Sat 14th December. Please call 086-0533196
WANTED WANTED: Top notch C++ Developer needed. Kenmare area. Please phone Rick: 06466-28964. WANTED: Childminder for 1 year-old girl, part-time, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
SUPPORT GROUPS Kerry Positive Option Crisis Pregnancy Counselling Service Free - confidential - non-judgemental services. All options explored. Killarney Southwest Counselling Centre Emmett’s Road, Killarney Tel: 064 6636416. Open: Monday to Friday 9am -5pm.Saturday 10am-1pm. Funded by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme.
Aware Support & Self Care Group Unfortunately, the Aware Support & Self Care group in Killarney has closed due to a lack of attendance despite all efforts to continue with the service. We continue to offer a group in Tralee on
Tuesday evenings. Peer to peer support and understanding for individuals experiencing depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions. Facilitated by Aware trained volunteers. Free of charge, all adults welcome and no referral necessary – details on www.aware.ie Where? Community Development Building, Rock Street Business Centre, Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry When? Every Tuesday at 8pm.
Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Provides a free professional counselling and support service for female and male survivors of sexual violence and their families in a safe and confidential
environment with highly qualified and professional counsellors. It can be contacted by freephone 1800-633333 or by email krcc@eircom.net
Killarney Al Anon The Killarney Al Anon meetings are held Tuesday nights at 8.30pm in St Claire’s, Vincent De Paul Building, Tesco Car Park, Beech Road, Killarney. Contact 086-8616001.
MS Support Group A support group for people with MS meets every Wednesday 9.30am to 1pm, at MS Meeting Rooms, Beech Road Carpark (Previously SVDP donation drop off)
BOOST YOUR BUSINESS NOW
CALL US ON 064 6632215
Suicide Prevention Helplines Samaritans 1850609090 or freephone 116123 or text 0872609090, email jo@ samaritans.ie, or visit a volunteer at 43 - 44 Moyderwell, Cloon Beg, Tralee.Pieta House, free counselling, freephone 1800247247or call 066-7163660 www.pieta.ie; South West Counselling Centre, Killarney, free suicide prevention and bereavement counselling, 064-6636416/6636100; Living Links, Kerry, 087-9006300; HSE South: Suicide Prevention Helpline 1800 742 745, Farm & Rural Stress Helpline 1800742645.
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SERVICES FALVEY
Oil Boiler Service
Todd: 087-2386276 Conor: 087-8296288
BE SEEN TO BE HEARD – WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE FOR EVERYONE TO SEE? CONTACT US ON: T: 064-6632215 or E: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
APPLIED MATHS
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for DANNY higher levelKELLEHER maths students Kitchen Installation & handyman services
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PrOPERTY MAINTENANCE 5th Years: 2 Year Course •Window & Door Maintenance 6th•Carpentry Years: 1 Year Intesive Course & Joinery •Flat Pack Assembly 1 evening per week after school •and much more Starts September RATHMORE, CO.Great KERRY Excellent Record for Results FACEBOOK/DKELLEHER96
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Declan Smith
Painting Contractor Interior & Exterior Wallpapering a speciality Spraying Fully Insured
declansmithpainter@gmail.com 087 635 4042 Killarney, Co.Kerry
• Fully Insured • Internal • External • Wallpapering • Kitchen spray painting • Commercial and domestic all your painting and decorating needs. RING FOR A FREE QUOTATION
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SERVICES FOR SALE
3.1.2020
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Seasoned Hard Wood
Fire Wood Logs
Grenagh Hall Forest & Farm Fossa, Killarney
T: 087 7957000
KILCUMMIN GOURMET KITCHEN OUTSIDE CATERING for all social events & functions (Birthday Parties, Communions etc.) Food Hampers available upon request SPECIALISING IN:
Handmade Artisan Finger Food
For all enquiries please call: PAUL 085 7538601 COLLEEN 086 3778960 info@kilcummingourmetkitchen.com
PROPERTY REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
• Painting & decorating Interior & exterior (Fencing, Walls) • Windows cleaning • Fixing of doors and windows • Power washing (Driveways, Decking Patios, Paths, Gutters & Fascias) • Carpentry (Timber floors, Paneling, Skirting Boards) • Garage Clearouts • Gardening & • General maintenance
• • • •
OIL BOILER SERVICE BOILER PROTECTION EMISSIONS TESTING APPLIED EFFICIENCY
Tele: 0892006623
Email: complexcare47@gmail.com
boiler s g your ave “Havin very year, s e d e ” y ic e v on ser you m Tel: 089 420 3480
Advert Portrait 100x150.indd 1
23/11/2019 11:02:08
in memoriam 76 IN MEMORIAM BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE
TO PLACE AN ANNIVERSARY NOTICE CONTACT US ON: T: 064-6632215 or E: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
7TH ANNIVERSARY
1ST ANNIVERSARY
3RD ANNIVERSARY
COURTNEY
FALLON
FOLEY
In loving memory of Mausie Courtney Late of Curreal Glenflesk and Deerpark Killarney Who died on the 31st of December 2012
In loving memory of a loving godfather and wonderful uncle John Fallon R.I.P. Anglont, Killorglin
In loving memory of our son Kieran Foley, Knockreer, Killarney, Who died on the 4th of January 2017.
O’CONNOR
Birthday remembrance for our beautiful daughter and sister Amy O’Connor Late of 8 Whitebridge Manor Whose birthday occurs on 4th January. No other time could be as sad Or quite as hard to bear, As celebrating your birthday, Without you being there. You meant the world to everyone, And at this time of year, Your kind and gentle nature, Was so precious and so dear. Amy we miss you, every second of every minute, every hour of every day. We wish you were here to give you a big hug on your 13th birthday. Love Mom, Dad & Cian Anniversary Mass for Amy will be held at the Church of the Resurrection on Saturday 1st February 9.30am.
We will always have memories To cherish and to hold Of a wonderful mother More precious that gold. A laugh, a joke, a time to care A wonderful nature, warm and true These are the memories we have of you. Always loved and never forgotten Your son Johnny, daughter-in-law Evelyn and grandchildren Shane, Dayna and Katie.
16TH ANNIVERSARY & BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE KELLY
Without your kind and gentle smile, And sweet familiar face, A treasured life is missing, And the world’s a sadder place. You lived your life so graciously, And always did your best, And now you’re with the Angels, And it’s time for you to rest. As peace surrounds you everywhere, In Heavenly skies above, Here on earth you’re deeply missed, And thought about with love. Thank you for your kindness John, and always being there for us be it morn, noon or night. Always remembered by Billy, Geoffrey, Sharon, Caroline, Alex and Seamie.
The mention of my child’s name May bring tears to my eyes, But it never fails to bring Music to my ears. Let me hear the beautiful music of his name, It soothes my broken heart And sings to my soul. Loved and sadly missed by your parents Cormac & Kathleen Foley. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday 4th of January at 6.15pm
3RD ANNIVERSARY FOLEY
1ST ANNIVERSARY FALLON
BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE O’CONNOR
Birthday remembrance for my beautiful granddaughter Amy O’Connor Late of 8 Whitebridge Manor, Killarney Whose birthday falls on January 4th. No words I write can ever say, How much I miss you every day, No one knows the grief I bear, When the family gather and you’re not there. I laugh, I talk, I play the part, But beyond the sorrow is a broken heart, The sorrow I feel, I can never explain, And the ache in my heart will always remain. From Nana Winnie x
BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE O’CONNOR
Birthday remembrance for Amy O’Connor Late of 8 Whitebridge Manor, Killarney, Whose birthday falls on January 4th. How very much you’re missed, Is something you will never know, You left behind the broken hearts, Of those who loved you so. A sea of tears and endless grief, Would simply ebb away, If only you could celebrate, Your special day today. This birthday token brings you love, It’s just a simple touch, To let you know how dear you are, You’ll always mean so much. Love from Uncle Otto, Emma and Logan.
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killarney advertiser 21 april 2006
Treasured memories of my dear Mother Tina Kelly, late of Dunari, Upper Lissivigeen, Killarney, Who died on her birthday on the 6th January 2003. Time and years go gently by, But love and memories never die, No longer in my life to share, But in my heart, you are always there.
In loving memory of Kieran Foley Late of Knockreer, Killarney, Who died on 4th January 2017.
In loving memory of a wonderful brother-in-law, John Fallon Anglont, Killorglin Whose 1st Anniversary occurs on 31st of December (New Year’s Eve)
Tina Cherished memories of Tina, beloved sister, aunt, grand-aunt and friend who died on the 6th January 2003.
Memories are forever, Be they laughter or of tears, Your memory we will treasure, Throughout the future years, No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts you’re always there.
No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts, Is always kept for you.
We did not see you close your eyes, We did not see you die, All we know is that you were gone, Without a last goodbye.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Your loving family.
The happy hours we once enjoyed, How sweet their memories still, But Death has left a vacant place, This world can never fill.
From your loving son Anthony.
Anniversary Mass on Sunday 5th January at 10:30am in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.
2ND ANNIVERSARY DOYLE
Your life was one of kindly deeds, A helping hand for others’ needs, So sincere and true in heart and mind, Beautiful memories left behind. Always loved and never forgotten by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Pat, Marie, Frank, Mary, Denny, Sheila, Mike, Ann and all their families.
40TH ANNIVERSARY Treasured memories of our dear friend Joe Doyle Late of Knockeeragh, Killarney Who died on the 5th of January 2018 For someone who meant so much, And loved by all he knew, Who left behind a trail of tears, And precious memories too. We loved the sunshine in his smile, And kindness in his heart, But heaven saw that he was tired, Which meant we had to part. Sadly missed by the O’Sullivan Family, Whitebridge, Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday 4th of January at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral.
LOONEY
Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green, Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been, In its unfading flowers, I hear the bright bee hum: Pray thee, my brother, into my garden come! Sadly missed by your loving brother Niall, sisters Deirdre, Eimear and Caitriona and families.
2ND ANNIVERSARY CROWLEY
In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather, Dan Crowley, Inches, Rathmore, Who passed away on 5th January 2018. R.I.P You had a smile for everyone, You had a heart of gold, You left the sweetest memories, This world could ever hold. Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving wife Margaret, daughters Eileen, Breda & Margaret, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass is in St. Joseph’s Church, Rathmore on Sunday 5th January at 11.30am
In loving memory of Paddy Looney Late of ‘Paddy’s’ and 2 Orchard Close Who died on 27th December 1979 He has gone no further from us than to God, And God is very near. Sadly missed by his wife Peggy, sons Tom, Pádraig, Kevin, daughters Mary, Noreen, and their spouses, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.
MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked You for many favours. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favour). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own Heart where Your Father sees it. Then, in His merciful eyes it will become Your favour not mine. Amen. Say for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. C.C.
in memoriam IN MEMORIAM 77
3.1.2020 2ND & 30TH ANNIVERSARY
10TH ANNIVERSARY O’CONNELL
46TH & 19TH ANNIVERSARIES
COAKLEY
In loving memory of Sheila and James Coakley Late of Knockeragh, Killarney Sheila who passed away on 1st January 2018 and James on 22nd March 1990. Forever in our hearts, Rest in peace. I was never alone, our blessed lady, And the baby Jesus were always with me. Respectfully remembered on their anniversaries and every day by their nephew John, Tess & Michael in Rathmore, Relatives in Fermoy and also Eileen and friends in Killarney.
4TH ANNIVERSARY O’LEARY
In loving memory of our sister Noreen O’Connell, Late of 32 Millwood, St. Margaret’s Road, Killarney, Who passed away on the 4th January 2010.
In loving memory of Jack and Alice Looney, “Sliabh Luachra”, Park Road, Killarney.
God called your name so softly, That only you could hear, And no one heard the footsteps, Of angels drawing you near.
Ansin chuala an guth ó na flaithis á rá: “Scríobh: Is beannaithe na mairbh a fhaigheann bás sa Tiarna.... i dtreo go scoirfidh siad dá saothar mar tá a n-oibreacha á leanúint.”
The golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest, It’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.
“Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Now they can rest after their labours for their good deeds go with them.” Rev. 14:13
In God’s care you rest above, In our hearts you rest with love, Never more than a thought away, Loved and remembered every day,
Cuireadh na Nollag
Sadly missed and always remembered by your sisters and brothers and their families.
Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh acu. Anniversary Mass in Christ, the Prince of Peace Church, Fossa on Saturday 4th of January at 7.30pm
26TH & 3RD ANNIVERSARY MORIARTY
John 1:12 &13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God to those who believe in His name, who were born not of the blood, nor will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Always loved and fondly remembered by your husband Patie, daughters Marie and Kayleigh, son Ian, grandchildren Aimee, Rhea-Kate and Noah, son-in-law John and daughter-in-law Aileen.
THANKSGIVING TO SAINT JUDE For wonderful favours received from St Jude and all the Saints and Angels, the Holy Spirit, Our Lady, The Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Sweet Infant Jesus and the Universe. X
10TH ANNIVERSARY & BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE O’CONNOR
Laccabane, Fossa In loving memory of Patrick Moriarty Who died on the 5th of January 1994 and Terence Moriarty Who died on the 11th of January 2017 If memories bring us closer, We are never far apart, For you are always in our thoughts, And forever in our hearts. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by all your family.
2ND ANNIVERSARY O’CONNOR
Anniversary Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin, on Saturday 4th January at 7:30pm.
NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. B. O’L.
O’SHEA
LOONEY
Anniversary Mass is on Saturday 4th January at 6:15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral
In loving memory of a dear wife, mother and nana, Catherine O’Leary, Knocklebede, Kilcummin, Who died on the 8th of January 2016.
7TH ANNIVERSARY
In loving memory of Charlie O’Connor, late of Kilclogherane, Faha, Killarney who died on the 2nd of January 2010. Somewhere beyond the sunset, Where loved ones never die, You sleep in a beautiful garden, Beneath a golden sky, Though heaven and earth divide us, We are never far apart, For you are always there to guide us, And forever in our hearts. Lovingly remembered by your family.
In loving memory of Nora (Norrie) O’Connor, Late of Kilclogherane, Faha, Killarney, Who died on the 1st of January 2018. Also remembering her husband Joe’s 40th Anniversary on December 22nd. You had a smile for everyone, You had a heart of gold, You left the sweetest memories, This world could ever hold. Lovingly remembered by your family.
In loving memory of Vivien O’Shea, Cleeny, Killarney Who died on the 4th January 2013. At every turning of my life I came across good friends, Friends who stood by me, Even when the time raced by. Farewell, farewell my friends. I smile and bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears, for I need them not. All I need is your smile. If you feel sad, think of me For that’s what I would like. When you live in the hearts of those you love Remember that you never die. Love always, Michael, Marion and Elizabeth. Vivien’s Anniversary Mass is on Saturday the 18th at 7.30pm in Fossa Church.
A PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power. O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times) C.C.
13TH & 11TH ANNIVERSARIES O’SULLIVAN
In loving memory of our dear parents, Joan, who died on 4th January 2007 and Patrick, who died on 5th August 2009, Late of Annaughbeg, Gneeveguilla. R.I.P. Though heaven and earth divide us, We are never far apart, For ye are always in our thoughts, And forever in our hearts. Always loved and forever remembered by your daughters Breeda and Eileen and grandchildren.
TO PLACE AN ANNIVERSARY, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OR NOVENA call in to our High Street office, go online at www.killarneyadvertiser.ie, or email info@killarneyadvertiser.ie, by Tuesday 5:30pm at the latest.
21 april 2006 killarney advertiser
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SPORT
SPORT
11.10.2019
ADAM MOYNIHAN E: sport@killarneyadvertiser.ie SEE OUR COLUMNISTS’ COVERAGE OF THE WEEK IN SPORT EAMONN FITZGERALD & SEAN MORIARTY
| By Adam Moynihan
Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamMoynihan
Team of the Year full of eastern promise 2019 was a historic year for the East Kerry senior footballers so it should come as no surprise that they dominate the Killarney Advertiser Sport Team of the Year with 10 players in total. In addition to those county champions from Spa, Glenflesk, Fossa, Gneeveguilla and Firies, stars from neighbouring clubs Dr Crokes, Killarney Legion and Kilcummin also made the cut. All senior players from the Killarney/ East Kerry region who lined out in the past 12 months were eligible for selection and performances in all competitions at both club and intercounty level were taken into consideration. For the second year in a row, Kerry, Fossa and East Kerry star David Clif-
ford has been named Player of the Year while Dr Crokes’ versatile midfielder/ forward Mark O’Shea has been chosen as Young Player of the Year.
IMPRESSIVE Veteran goalkeeper James Devane gets the nod between the posts after a string of impressive performances in the County Championship and his divisional teammates Jack Sherwood and Niall Donohue make the team at full and corner back respectively. The
Firies clubmen are joined in the full back line by Cian Gammell of Legion who played a starring role as his club secured their first O’Donoghue Cup title since 1976. At half back, Kilcummin’s Seán O’Leary is selected for the second year in a row with the athletic pairing of Dan O’Donoghue and Pa Warren rounding off the defence. Young Player of the Year O’Shea also lined out at full forward for the Crokes but in this team he has been picked at midfield where he slots in alongside Liam Kearney of Spa. The forward division is stacked with talent. James O’Donoghue was excellent for Legion all year so he gets the
10 November 2019; David Clifford of East Kerry, right, celebrates with team-mate Darragh Roche after scoring their side's first goal during the Kerry County Senior Club Football Championship Final match between East Kerry and Dr. Crokes at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
No. 10 jersey and for the second year in a row, Fossa’s Paudie Clifford is selected at centre forward. Dynamic Spa player Evan Cronin, who kicked four points from play in the county final against Dr Crokes, fills the other half forward spot at No. 12. Tony Brosnan, who was terrific for Dr Crokes despite it being a disappointing year overall for the club, lines out in the corner next to Player of the Year David Clifford, while Clifford’s East Kerry colleague Darragh Roche is named in the other corner. All told, five players – Sherwood, O’Leary, the Clifford brothers and Brosnan – have retained their places in the all-star line-up.
11.10.2019
SPORT
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The Players’ Review 2019 80
/// SOCCER GER FITZGERALD
AIDAN GALVIN
9
MEK Galaxy
Ballyhar Dynamos
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
8/10. This year has been a memorable one for the club. After being promoted back-to-back and competing in the Premier A for the first time, we couldn’t have asked for much more. Although we’ve started poorly in Premier A we’ve been quite unlucky in a number of games, especially against Celtic. Their seventh goal was definitely offside.
9 out of 10. We got promoted from Division 1A and have started the season in Premier B strongly, with 13 points from seven games.
LOW POINT
HIGHLIGHT
8
The league final loss to Rattoo Rovers. Although they are an excellent team, we didn't do ourselves justice.
Getting promoted to Premier B for the first time in about five years. This season, beating Killorglin thanks to an injury time penalty save by Maurice O’Donoghue set us on a three-game winning streak.
MVP
LOW POINT
Losing the league final was tough to take after topping the league.
HIGHLIGHT
Travelling to Clare for an FAI Junior Cup game for the first time.
MVP
Hard to look beyond Niall McCarthy. Fantastic dribbler and finisher. Honourable mention to P O’Connor; excellent technique and range of passing.
Gary Cassidy. He has been exceptional when he has come off the bench for the B team in injury time.
Patrick O’Connor. He does a job for us in a variety of positions. A hard-worker and very brave.
Shane O Sullivan who joined us this year has shown great ability and has a bright future ahead of him. Hard to believe he’s only 12.
UNSUNG HERO
FUTURE STAR
Diarmuid Brosnan and Evan Cosgrave have been excellent. We also have some very promising youth team players. It could be a breakthrough season for Cian Ring, Peter Cosgrave and John Power.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
consolidate our status in the Premier B, hopefully with a push for promotion. A cup run would be nice too.
DANNY ROCHE
UNSUNG HERO FUTURE STAR
Harry Buckley. Has been outstanding for us after only joining this year. He reminds me of a younger version of myself, except nowhere near as good.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
hopefully cement our place in Premier A and have a decent run in a cup or two.
TOMMY O’SULLIVAN
8
Killarney Celtic
Mastergeeha
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
I'd rate the year an 8. I think we, as expected, dominated all the Kerry competitions but still feel we underachieved in the Munster competitions and the FAI Junior Cup.
7/10. We had a good second half to last season but unfortunately we left ourselves too much to do and couldn’t get promotion to Division 1B. This season has started very well so hopefully we can keep that going.
LOW POINT
HIGHLIGHT
LOW POINT
Our performance in the FAI. Not the losing aspect but just that we didn’t give a good account of how strong our team was.
Winning the double-double.
MVP
Stevie Mahony. An animal at centre back and scored 15+ goals too.
UNSUNG HERO
Tim Jones for his hard work off the pitch for the club, and Smiley for how he is as a captain. His leadership skills and player management are top class.
FUTURE STAR
Evan Looney and Pádraic Looney. Two young fellas who I hate marking in training. Animals.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
see a lot of the youths break into the team, and need more room for trophies.
7
Losing our cup semi-final against Ballymac, who ended up going on to win the final.
HIGHLIGHT
We celebrated 40 years this year which was a great weekend for the club.
MVP
James Nagle. A great man to turn a bad ball into a good ball. He would want to give up the football though.
UNSUNG HERO
Jerdy Sheehan was one of our best players this year and he’s always a great man for tape.
FUTURE STAR
Gearóid Kerins. Some baller!
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
get promotion and hopefully win some silverware.
In Part 1 of our annual Players’ Review, local stars from soccer, basketball, hurling, rugby and ladies football tell us how their teams fared in 2019.
WILL COURTNEY
GER ‘SKULLY’ O’SULLIVAN
8
81
7
QPR
Killarney Athletic
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
Last season we had a lot of injuries and had a very young team but still played well. This season we got a few new additions to the squad and made a very strong start to the year. 8/10.
7/10. We stayed in the Premier B and got to the quarter-final of the Greyhound Bar KO Cup but we lost in the first round of the Reserve.
LOW POINT
Losing in Reserve Cup as we were playing well at the time.
Gary Sugrue's goal against the team who came over from Berlin. We’re still listening to him talk about it.
LOW POINT
HIGHLIGHT
HIGHLIGHT
The high point was beating Castleisland B away to stay up. We have always struggled over there.
MVP
Mikey Joe Kelliher is a rock in the middle of the park. Loves a tackle but can also play. He’s a big loss for us this season.
Getting Brendan Moloney in to coach us has been different class. The professionalism he brings is second to none really. I think Shane Lyne was MVP. He's just an all-round solid defender.
MVP
UNSUNG HERO
UNSUNG HERO
Ryan O’Carroll. There's nothing that gets you more pumped up than letting The Kid play Westlife on the speaker before a game.
Stephen Lehane. He’s the manager, the kitman and the secretary. Only for him we would not have a team.
FUTURE STAR
FUTURE STAR
Cian Dineen has just signed up for us but he can play. Definitely one for the future.
I think Jack Cooper is Athletic’s next star. Scores goals for fun.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
hopefully take Ryan off the tunes and finish the season with a cup or two.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
we would love some silverware with a good run in the cups, and to stay in the Premier B.
/// BASKETBALL - LADIES KELLY AHERN
7
ERICA McGLYNN
Killarney Cougars Ladies
11
St Paul’s Ladies
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
7/10. We had a slow start to the 2019 season but after the introduction of Coach Justin, things turned around fast and we made a winning start to the new season.
11/10. It’s great to have a senior ladies team back in St Pauls and we’re having good fun and winning games, which is a bonus.
LOW POINT
The transfer window was a bit too tight for our liking!
LOW POINT
Our slow start to the year and inconsistent results due to injuries.
HIGHLIGHT
HIGHLIGHT
Our coach Kate Donnellan's prawn curry after winning the first round of the cup.
MVP
Laura Donnellan. Always has my back when I get fouled out.
UNSUNG HERO
Have to hand it to our minor girls Jade Potts, Katie Brosnan and Lyselle O’Shea for stepping up to give us a hand. We’re getting too old for this craic!
Seeing the new faces starting to come through with the Plate Final success in February. It’s a difficult choice but I’ll have to say Meave Bellew. She gives it her all and nothing less. Our amazing, hard-working committee.
FUTURE STAR
Again another tough decision but Alison Flynn is the one to watch.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
continue to work hard and battle for a 2020 title.
MVP
UNSUNG HERO
FUTURE STAR
Shelly Clifford. She gets it from her brothers, Paudie and David.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
be cup champions and making headlines in the Killarney Advertiser.
The Players’ Review 2019 82
/// BASKETBALL - MEN'S ROB CAREY
8
MARK GREENE
Killarney Cougars
7
Scotts Lakers
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
It’s tough to rate our season because this is our first season together. We’re a young club with young players who all possess great individual skill. 8/10.
7/10. We’re sitting in third, one game behind Fr Mathews, so we’re still in contention, but two of our three losses were games we would have hoped to win. All in all with a lot of moving pieces and a very new look team and coach we have done very well.
LOW POINT
We have no low points yet and hope to keep it that way.
HIGHLIGHT
So far the highlight this year would be defeating St Paul’s Division 1 team after being down 18 points at the half. Long season ahead and we’ll have plenty more highlights by the end of the 2019/20 season.
MVP
Justin Tuason an extremely talented individual who controls the tempo of the game from start to finish.
UNSUNG HERO
Darren Gaffey. The man gives 100% every game and pushes the pace every chance he has.
FUTURE STAR
Tommy Bowler and Jack Lynch. Both U18s playing at a Senior Division 1 level.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
hopefully be knocking around that #1 seed mark for Division 1.
LOW POINT
Losing the first game of the season to Limerick Celtics.
HIGHLIGHT
Beating Ulster University with seven players after driving up there that morning for a 12.30pm tip-off. It was a great team performance.
MVP
Toby Christensen has been our most consistent performer all season. His unassuming, almost horizontal, demeanour makes it all the better to watch when he’s dominating. I won’t mention practice #AllenIverson.
UNSUNG HERO
Séamus Brosnan, Brian O'Neill and Carlton Cuff.
FUTURE STAR
Jamie O’Sullivan has it in him to be a great player for this club. At 16 I imagine he will be treating Lakers fans to many future performances, and lead future generations of this club to success.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
be aiming for a second place finish at least, and a playoff game to fight for promotion.
/// GAA - HURLING MIKE MILNER
6
MARK O’CONNOR
Dr Crokes Hurlers
8
St Pat’s
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
6/10. It was positive in many ways and a South Kerry Championship all to play for.
It was a very successful year for the club. We made it to two finals. 8/10.
LOW POINT
LOW POINT
Losing to Kenmare in the county semi-final, courtesy of a last minute goal.
Narrowly missing out in the Junior Hurling Championship by one point in the final, after a great fight back in the second half.
Beating Kilgarvan in a titanic league battle out there having come back from a nine-point deficit. That result shows how good we can be.
Winning the South Kerry Championship on a bitterly cold night in Rathmore.
HIGHLIGHT
MVP
HIGHLIGHT
MVP
Michael Lenihan is one to watch out for in both codes for Dr Crokes. He’s a lovely hurler and has massive potential.
Paul Horan. A handful for any defence.
UNSUNG HERO
There were a few for the club but I'd have to go with James Burke.
FUTURE STAR
The Holohan twins, Tomás and Fionn. Both have a serious appetite for the game.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
hopefully be competing in all finals and bringing home more silverware for the club.
I couldn’t pick just one; we have many great heroes who give it their all. My picks are Kevin Landers, Brendan McMahon and Rory Waters. Michael Lenihan, hands down. Watch out for him. He is a definite future star. with a bit of luck be Kerry Intermediate champions. It’s long overdue now.
UNSUNG HERO FUTURE STAR
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
In Part 1 of our annual Players’ Review, local stars from soccer, basketball, hurling, rugby and ladies football tell us how their teams fared in 2019.
83
/// GAA - LADIES AMANDA BROSNAN
6
KATIE GLEESON O’BRIEN
Kerry Ladies
6
Spa Ladies
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
6/10. I captained the team and we got to a league final.
6/10. We lost in the semi-final of both the league and the championship.
LOW POINT
LOW POINT
Niamh Kearney falling off her bike, breaking her collarbone and ruling herself out for the remainder of the season.
Losing the league final. It was disappointing that we never performed.
HIGHLIGHT
HIGHLIGHT
Captaining the team was a special way to end my Kerry career.
Seeing a number of new faces joining the Spa ladies this year.
MVP
Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh. She’s a team player who works her socks off.
UNSUNG HERO
Niamh Carmody leaves it all on the pitch.
MVP
Lottie Maher is always dependable. She gives 100% and rarely misses a training session.
UNSUNG HERO
FUTURE STAR
Mags Cronin. She’s our player rep/team liaison officer as well as being a key player for us.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
Mairéad Bennett. She is one of the game’s finest man markers.
Ciara O’Brien broke onto the senior team last year and was very impressive. be without me! But I have no doubt that they will win the league!
FUTURE STAR
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
aim to train hard and hope to be knocking around at the business end of the season.
/// RUGBY SARAH LEAHY
BRENDAN FULLER
7
9
Killarney Rugby
Killarney Legion Ladies
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR TEAM’S YEAR OUT OF 10?
9 out of 10. We won the Martin O'Sullivan Cup in Musgrave Park, fielded a B team for the first time in years and we have more members than ever before.
I’d give this year a 7. We aimed to win Division 3, which unfortunately didn't happen for us. The girls played well and we worked as a team but we have not yet been performing to our full potential.
LOW POINT
LOW POINT
Losing our final to Milltown. We didn't perform on the day, which was disappointing.
Losing the playoff final was pretty tough but I was very disappointed there was no Turkey of the Year Award.
Beating Laune Rangers by a point after they beat us the first game we played against them. It was a turning point in terms of positivity and confidence for the team.
Winning the Martin O'Sullivan Cup was an unbelievable day. Scoring a try was the cherry on top. The lads will have you believe it was an easy finish but I'm pretty sure I ran past 17 players to touch it down in the corner.
HIGHLIGHT
MVP
Deirdre Lyne. We struggled to find a keeper for years and she stepped in and filled the boots as senior goalie. We couldn't have asked for a more impressive keeper.
UNSUNG HERO
Chloe O'Connor. She joined Legion seniors this year and has integrated into the team very well. She can play in any position and she has been a great asset.
HIGHLIGHT
MVP
Eoin Gleeson has been fantastic for us. I think he's 8'11" so he's great in the lineout but he also gets around the pitch for the full 80 minutes.
UNSUNG HERO
Darren Enright (injured) organised our club social and he's the driving force behind our seconds team.
FUTURE STAR
FUTURE STAR
Shane Courtney. He's got great speed and strength and he's very effective with the ball in his hands.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
continue to grow with new members of all ages. Hopefully we'll add some more silverware too.
Kerrianne Harrington is a very skilfull young player and I've been waiting for her to join the seniors. Definitely a name to look out for. win Division 3 due to commitment and reaching our full potential.
IN 2020, YOUR TEAM WILL…
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SPORT
THE WEEK IN PICTURES
3.1.2020
JUDO: Killarney Judo senior class photo 2019. Back: Alan Horgan, Tadhg Kelly, MairĂŠad Bennett, Cora Joy, Kevin O'Doherty, Artur Kosinski, Peter O'Sullivan and Diarmuid McCarthy. Front: Kate Forde, Ali O'Donoghue, Adam Counihan, Oran Horgan, Muireann O'Brien and Maeve McCarthy.
EAST KERRY: Spa members at the East Kerry Awards Presentation Night. Back: Willie Cahill (minor selector), Ger Galvin (East Kerry Board President), John O'Leary (Munster Council Delegate). Front: Aidan Cahill (minor manager) and Sean Cronin (senior selector).
CHAMPS: Spa players at the East Kerry Awards Night. Michael McCarthy, Liam Kearney, Eoin Fitzgerald, Evan Cronin, Sean Cronin (selector), Dan O'Donoghue, Niall McCarthy, Shane Cronin and David Carroll.
MVP: Eoin Clifford of Laune Rangers is presented with his Man of the Match award after his side's victory over Beaufort in the Mid Kerry minor final.
WINNERS: The East Kerry U21 backroom team with East Kerry Chairman Johnny Brosnan and President Ger Galvin.
SPORT
3.1.2020
SPORTEXTRA BASKETBALL: NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Crucial top of the table clash for Lakers SCOTTS Lakers are in third place on the league table with a 10-3 winning record. Fr Mathews have also played 13 games and are in second place with a 11-2 record. League leaders Ballincollig are out in front and remain unbeaten with a 13-0 record and are the visitors to Killarney Sports Centre on this Saturday night, January 4th for an important league clash. It really is a game that Lakers need to win to close the gap on the league table and be in a stronger position to challenge for honours at the end of the season. However Ballincollig will be raging hot favourites again following recent clashes between both sides. In six games between the teams in the past three seasons the Cork side have emerged victorious in each one and will travel to Killarney in confident form. The most recent clash was the national cup match in October with Ballincollig winning 81-68. Scotts Lakers have been enjoying some good form recently and the addition of new American Xavier Talton has made them a more formidable outfit. In the cup clash in October Ballincollig's American Andre Nation and Spaniard Inigo Zabola dominated proceedings and combined for 50 points between them. Their Irish
players Ronan O'Sullivan ,Ciaran O'Sullivan, Dylan Corkery and Ian McLoughlin are some of the best in the league and will relish the challenge to match up against Lakers best players. A significant factor in that cup match was the ability of the likes of Dylan Corkery to play suberb defence on Lakers American Aaron Jackson for long periods and limit his scoring threat until late in the game. Lakers should be able to make it tougher for the visitors this time round and the option to rotate Xavier Talton with Aaron Jackson will provide extra options. Big Toby Christensen also has the power and strength to trouble Ballincollig under the boards while Lakers will also require big contributions from Mick McGinn, Brian O'Neill , Mark Greene, Carlton Cuff, Seamus Brosnan and Jamie O'Sullivan. Home advantage is a big plus for Scotts Lakers, who will be determined to get the Ballincollig monkey off their back and finally secure a badly needed victory over them. Tip-off in Killarney Sports Centre is at 7.30 pm.
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Call 064-6632215 or email sport@killarneyadvertiser.ie
Four in a row IT Carlow Scotts Lakers Killarney
70 111
SCOTTS Lakers picked up their fourth win on the trot with a very impressive and comprehensive victory on the road against IT Carlow last Saturday. A dominant third quarter along with a whopping 16 three-pointers in the game which included eight threes from Brian O'Neill were the key factors that secured the victory. Carlow were well in contention at an early stage with Jordan Fallon , Jimmy and Brendan Butler impressing. However Scotts Lakers were inspired by the outstanding three-point shooting of Brian O’Neill who hit five threes in the opening quarter. Toby Christensen and Mark Greene also added baskets and Lakers led 25 – 17 at the end of the opening period. Carlow kept in touch with Lakers throughout the second quarter, scoring 23 points to Lakers 24. The Killarney side had solid contributions from Seamus Brosnan, Brian O’Neill Mark Greene, Aaron Jackson, Carlton Cuff and Toby Christensen and they led 49 - 40 at the interval. Upon the resumption Lakers really got into their stride, doubling Carlow’s score. Jordan Fallon banged a big
three-pointer for Carlow, Kevin Donohoe three baskets, Brendan Butler two and James Butler one. Brian O’Neill hit another three-pointer for Scotts Lakers, as did Carlton Cuff, Mick McGinn, Mark Greene and Xavier Talton. Aaron Jackson Toby Christensen, Carlton Cuff and Xavier Talton added further scores and the Killarney side enjoyed a commanding 81-56 lead entering the final quarter. The final quarter was a formality, with Kevin Donohoe scoring five baskets and two free-throws, with James Butler a single basket. Scotts Lakers extended their lead, with an on-fire Toby Christensen scoring a three-pointer, four baskets and two free-throws. Aaron Jackson scored two baskets and Seamus Brosnan a three-pointer and a basket, Mark Greene a three-pointer while Brian O’Neill scored another big three-pointer to make it his eighth of the game and Lakers’ sixteenth. At the final buzzer, Scotts Lakers had a comfortable 41 points to spare.
SCOTTS LAKERS : Toby Christensen 27 , Brian O’Neill 26, Mark Greene 14, Carlton Cuff 14, Aaron Jackson 13. CARLOW IT: Kevin Donohoe 23 points, James Butler 17, Sean Broderick 11 and Jordan Fallon 10.
A packed Killarney Sports Centre watching Scotts Lakers against Ballincollig last season. The sides clash again in a top of the table battle on this Saturday night January 4 at 7.30 pm in Killarney Sports Centre. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
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SPORT
SOCCER
Killarney Celtic Notes Killarney Celtic held their Christmas party at the Killarney Avenue Hotel recently with the following awards presented: Senior A player of the Year Danny Roche Senior B player of the Year Ryan Kelliher Youths player of the Year Ryan Kelliher Club Person of the Year Thomas McCarthy A presentation was also made to Club Secretary Helen Clancy in recognition of her work. Results Munster Youths Cup Killarney Celtic 7, Castleisland 1 Evan Looney(3), Terry Sparling (3), James Darmody U16Premier Killorglin 2, Killarney Celtic 1 Adrian Casey U14 Div 1 Killarney Athletic B 4, Killarney Celtic B 1. U12 Premier St Brendan’s Park 3, Killarney Celtic 2 JJ O Donoghue (2) Celtic Lotto Numbers drawn 2,7,17,20. No jackpot winner. Match 3 receive €30. Next jackpot €12,800
Killarney Athletic FC
3.1.2020 body who supported the lotto in 2019. Bag Packing: Thank you to everybody who helped with the bag packing in Dunne's Stores and to Dunne's for allowing us to bag pack in their store. Annual General meeting Beaufort GAA AGM, om January 19 at 5pm in Clubrooms. Closing date for nominations and motions, Monday, January 6.
Spa GAA Club SCÓR na nÓg MUNSTER FINALS Best of luck to our Set Dancing and Tráth na gCeist teams in the Scór na nÓg Munster Finals in Ovens on Sunday. 2020 REGISTRATION will be opening shortly both online through spagaa. com or directly through our registrars Ger Mangan and Sean O'Sullivan. All players, officers, coaches etc must be registered club members to take part in club activities in 2020. IRELAND LIGHTS UP WEEKLY WALKS: Spa are again taking part in the Operation Transformation Ireland Lights Up initiative, where a walking track will be lit up on the club grounds each Thursday night starting January 9. Details will be announced shortly.
Killarney Athletic moved to the top of the JK Sports 12 Premier and remaining unbeaten after 5 games thanks to a 1-0 win over Killorglin. Szymon Jasinski got the only goal of the game to see the Woodlawn side on 15 points – 3 ahead of MEK Galaxy and also with a game in hand.
GET SPA NEWS DIRECT TO YOUR EMAIL: Visit our updated site spagaa. com and click the subscribe button. Every Wednesday night all our Spa news will come directly to your inbox.
Many thanks to all who supported and helped in our recent bag packing in Dunnes Stores and also to all who supported and helped in our Church Gate Collection.
MEETING ROOMS and Sports Hall available for hire. For enquiries contact Eileen on 0876577312 (after 6pm only) or Ann on 0879403508
GAA
Fossa GAA Fossa GAA are holding their social 7.00pm in the Dromhall Hotel on the January 11 – 50 years, to the day, since the club was founded.
Mid Kerry GAA The Mid Kerry AGM will be held in Cromane January 13 20 8.30pm. Mid Kerry Minor Championship Final for the Derry O’Sullivan Memorial Shield sponsored by Keane's SuperValu Killorglin saw Laune Rangers take the spoils over Beaufort on a score line of 4-13 to 0-05. Captain Evan Madden was presented with shield. Man of the Match Award sponsored by Keane's Supervalu was presented to Eoin Clifford of Laune Rangers.
Beaufort GAA Club Lotto: Jackpot €4,000 in Inn Between on Sun, 5th Jan. Thank you to every-
LOTTO RESULTS 30/12/2019. No winner. Next draw in McSweeney’s – Jackpot €9,200
BASKETBAL
Gneeveguilla Club
Basketball
Share the bucket, in association with Gneeveguilla Community Development Council Congratulations to Caroline Heleen this week's jackpot winner of €241 winners of our two Christmas Spot Prizes are Brendan Cronin, Killarney Heights Hotel voucher and Darren Jones who won a True Beauty voucher. Play online or in local stores for our weekly jackpot : draw live every Friday night.
GOLF
Kilorglin Golf Club
Lotto: Lotto 6, 14, 22 23 Jackpot €6500 not won, next draw is on Sunday January. 15 at The Speakeasy jackpot €6800
ROWING
RACE NIGHT
2nd - Mike Ashe (12) 30 Points
Sincere thanks to all who supported our Race Night fundraiser held on Saturday last, December 28 at Major Colgan’s bar, Muckross Park Hotel. The event was a great success and all funds raised will be invested in club equipment and facilities. Special thanks go to our hosts and main sponsors, Major Colgan’s bar and the Muckross Park Hotel. We are also most grateful to the many local businesses who generously sponsored our races and to all our members, supporters and their family members who sponsored horses and raffle prizes. Special mention also for our MC extraordinaire, Kieran Murphy, who once again made it a great night of craic and entertainment for all.
Results of 14 Hole Turkey on December 29 are: 1st Gerry Sheehan (29) 32 Points 2nd Pa Callaghan (12) 31 Points Fixtures: Next week is another 14 hole club sponsored Competition The club’s Management Committee AGM will take place on January 31 2020 at 8.00pm in the Clubhouse.
Killarney Golf and Finishing Results from Friday December 27, sponsored by Joe Geaney 1st Marie Geaney and John Geaney 41 Pts
3rd Kevin Leacy and Gemma Leacy 38pts
Progressive 31: Progressive 31 will return on Wednesday 8th of January and will start at 8pm and all you need to bring is €5! You do not want to miss a great night.
Killeen Winners (Gross) Category 1 Shane Horgan 59 Category 2 Kieran O'Keefe 62 Category 3 Kieran Fleming 63 Category 4 Padraig Cronin 76
Muckross Rowing Club
Dr Crokes
Sympathies: Deepest Sympathies to Martin, Ann, Sarah and Laurence Byrnes on the death of Martin's mother Catherine Byrnes (nee Mc Garry).
Mahony's Point Winners (Gross) Category 1 Michael Maher 58 Category 2 Ian Cronin 59 Category 3 Andy Goulding 67 Category 4 Padraig Cronin 75
1st - Aidan Spillane (9) 31 Points
2nd Mary Geaney and Dermot Roche 39pts
Congratulations to Jonie Sexton and Ken O'Leary on their recent wedding. Congratulations to Joseph Keogh and Tracy Kelly on their recent Wedding Congratulations to Donie and Margaret O'Leary on the birth of their granddaughter.
The 2019 Eclectic competition records the lowest score for each hole over the course of the year. All winners will receive €50 euro into their BRS account.
Results of the 14 Hole Turkey on December 22 are:
CLUB NOTES: Any items for club notes contact Deirdre at pro.spa.kerry@gaa. ie or 0851216359 before 8pm Sundays.
Congratulations
Category 2 Peter O'Brien 38 pts (09) Category 3 Ivan Tangney 37 pts (15) Category 4 Larry O' Donnell 37 pts (20)
BG Amy Arthur and Donal Considine 31pts
4th Marguerite Mulcahy and Denis Coleman 38pts 5th Breeda Neeson and Brian Clarke 37pts Next Sunday’s competition on January 5 is the Mary Geaney Stepaside scramble.
Killarney Golf Club Mens' Club The Arbutus Cup, kindly sponsored by Killarney Printing, was held on Mahony's Point on December 26. 1st Derek O'Keeffe 42 pts (10) 2nd Conn O'Connor 40 pts (07) 3rd Michael Maher 39 pts (04) 4th James Lynch 38 pts (13) 5th Seamus Doheny 38 pts (17) Category 1 Shane O' Sullivan 36 pts (06)
CHRISTMAS DUATHLON Well done to the 62 junior club members (and one Masters entrant!) who completed our duathlon of ergometer and running on Saturday last, December 28. A great event and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Marko Tot for organising the event and to all who helped with timing and catering.
OTHER SPORTS
Gneeveguilla Athletic Club Lotto: No winner of our lotto draw 27/12/2019, numbers drawn were 14, 20, 23 & 26. Sellers prize winner Tom Joe O’ Donoghue, €50 Y/T winner Mike Kelliher Knocknagree, €50 Nealie Casey, Leam, €40 each to Eileen O’Riordan Millstreet, Cathriona and Noel c/o Margaret Hayes and Seamus O’ Brien Gneeveguilla. Bonus not won, numbers drawn were 6, 12, 23 & 29. Next week’s jackpot €8,600 plus €1,000 bonus.
3.1.2020
ADVERTISING
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