Killarney-Ukraine refugee paves the way for diverse leadership in Irish society

Natalya Krasnenkova from Killarney was among 31 migrants graduating from political and leadership programmes, at a ceremony run by the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI).

Natalya graduated from the Migrant Leadership Academy. Run by the ICI, the course is aimed at increasing migrant representation in politics and encouraging migrants to use their voice to enact change.

At a special event at EPIC Museum Dublin, graduates were presented with certificates. Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission delivered the keynote address.

Speaking at the graduation, Immigrant Council of Ireland CEO, Brian Killoran, said, “One of the most incredible benefits to working with diverse communities is the opportunity to interact with up-andcoming community and political leaders. The energy, dynamism, and passion of those who participate in our leadership academy and political internship scheme gives us all a boost, and shows us that the future is bright for social and community activism in Kerry and Ireland, and for diversity in politics.

“By stepping up and participating, they are demonstrating their commitment to build a future for Ireland that is positive, diverse and informed by strong values of social justice, collaboration, mutual support and human rights. That’s an incredible thing, and so important in a world with many issues and challenges. We thank them for their commitment, and for participating.”

Adding to Mr. Killoran’s comments, Integration Manager at the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Valéria Acquino said “At the Immigrant Council, our work is enriched by the interactions we have with the fan-

Marks & Spencer searching for charity food distribution partners

Marks & Spencer Ireland is looking for charities and community groups in Kerry to join its food redistribution scheme.

Groups can, free of charge, get quality M&S food from the Killarney store, for the people they work with.

The M&S food redistribution programme has been running since 2015 with its redistribution partner Neighbourly and is designed to eliminate food waste and to link stores with local communities to donate food to those in need.

In 2022 and 2023, M&S has saved 270 tonnes of food, equating to 642,828 meals, from going to waste across Ireland through the scheme.

The programme uses technology which notifies M&S’ charity partners of anything unsold at the end of the day that can be collected from their local store. The technology also allows stores to donate products where the packaging is damaged, but the food inside is safe and good quality.

M&S is now calling on new community groups in Kerry to join the programme to receive the quality surplus produce from M&S Killarney and ensure that surplus food goes to those in need.

“At M&S we are committed to eliminating food waste as part of our Plan A sustainability strategy, which sets out how we will become a zero-waste organisation. Part of our work in this area means ensuring that all surplus food produce gets redistributed to communities in Kerry and across Ireland.” said Eddie Murphy, Trading Director at M&S Ireland.

“We work hard to make the food we produce and stock the very best, and our partnership with Neighbourly provides that produce to the people who need it. We know there are more people that we can be helping, so we want to hear from community groups doing incredible work in the community about how we can support them with our surplus produce.” tastic people we meet through the leadership academy and political internship scheme, and we know that communities and local politics in Kerry and across Ireland will be enriched when the talent and enthusiasm shown by this group is harnessed and given an opportunity to shine.

M&S is calling for new charity and community partners to work with, and calling charities and community groups in Kerry to get in touch at www.neighbouly.com.

“Given the recent media and online attention around refugee rights in communities across the country, we’re at risk of losing sight of the overwhelming positivity around migration and diversity that exists in Irish society. To counter this, we need to ensure that we showcase the contribution and potential of those who have chosen Ireland as their new home, and that we all recognise migrants and refugees as equal members of our communities, who share in the successes we have as a society.”

18 graduates in total completed the Migrant Leadership Academy. The aim of the programme is to improve leadership skills and the capacity of participants to initiate, design and implement community-led campaigns and initiatives. It also aims to empower migrant and refugee communities to speak out on issues affecting them.

Also recognised at the ceremony were 13 people who graduated from the Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme. The internship scheme is a mentoring programme that pairs local councillors with migrants who want to learn more about Irish politics and get involved in their local communities. Graduates from this programme hailed from Dublin, Waterford, Offaly, Galway, Cavan, Cork and Kildare.

Free trad concert at St Mary’s

Spraoi Chiarraí continues its series of free summer concerts on Saturday.

The second concert of the season starts at 8pm at St Mary’s Church of Ireland. Rising Kerry stars; multi-instrumentalist and singer Aisling Wharton (Fiddle/ Guitar/Vocal) will be joined by Listowel native Edel Quinn (Accordion & Whistle).

This feast of young Irish Folk talent is joined by Tim O’Shea (Director/Producer), himself a professional folk musican for decades.

Open to all, this family entertainment is

Quest Killarney, the world’s biggest adventure race, takes place on October 9 in Killarney.

Over 2,000 adventure enthusiasts will be descending on the town for this epic adventure in and around Killarney National Park.

Winding its way through iconic landmarks like Molls Gap, Black Valley, Torc Waterfall, the Ring of Kerry and Muckross House, Quest Killarney has become renowned for its fabulous scenery as well as its challenging routes. Choose from several options that involving a run, cycle