Killarney Outlook

10/10/2025

Pictured at the HSE staff winter vaccination clinic at Killarney Community Hospital this week when details of the Winter 2025 Vaccine Campaign was launch were back from left, Nurse Joni Hartnett, Vaccinator, HSE South West, Louise Carlton, Assistant Director of Nursing, Health Protection, Dept of Public Health, HSE South West, Denise McShane, General Manager in Public Health, HSE South West, Kathleen O’Mahony, General Manager, Health and Wellbeing, HSE South West, Sinead Horgan, Director of Nursing, Vaccination service, Acute Hospitals, HSE South West and Nurse Ann Carolan, Vaccinator, HSE South West. Seated from left, Corrina Broderick, Clinical Lead, Immunisation services, HSE South West, Dr. Anne Sheahan, Regional Director of Public Health, HSE South West, Gabrielle O’ Keeffe, Head of Service, Health and Wellbeing, HSE South West, Marie Buick, Staff Officer, Vaccination Centre, HSE Kerry. Photo: Don MacMonagle

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

Diarmuid O’Sullivan, The Optical Suite, wiiner of Most Improved Premises Award with Martin Grady (Cathaoirleach, Killarney Municipal District Council), Michael Gleeson (Killarney Looking Good Chairperson), Kerry footballer Gavin White and Matthew Farrell (Killarney Municipal District Officer)

09/10/2025

Brothers Honoured with Garda Youth Community Safety Award

Two Killarney brothers, Gary and Conor O’Sullivan, have been named winners of the prestigious Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Community Safety Award. The presentation took place on Friday night at the Rose Hotel, Tralee, where the O’Sullivan family was celebrated for their courage, resilience and commitment to raising community awareness about CPR and heart health.
The award comes after a life-changing incident on April 6th, 2025 – a day the O’Sullivan family will never forget. What began as an ordinary morning turned traumatic when the brothers’ elder sibling, Seán Óg, suddenly collapsed at the family home in Whitebridge. Acting without hesitation, Gary, Conor and their father, Seán, immediately began CPR, keeping Seán Óg alive until paramedics arrived.
The quick response not only saved Seán Óg’s life but also led to the discovery of a genetic heart condition within the family, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Both Gary and his mother have since been fitted with defibrillators, alongside Seán Óg.
Rather than retreat after the shock of this diagnosis, Gary and Conor turned their experience into a mission. They began speaking out locally and nationally about the importance of CPR and defibrillator training. In addition, the brothers have spearheaded fundraising initiatives supporting Killarney First Responders, Brú Columbanus, and the Michael Lenihan Heartsafe Campaign. Their efforts also funded the purchase of a defibrillator for public use at Whitebridge Manor Estate, adjacent to the Cork Road.
Proud aunt Anne Holland nominated her nephews for the award, praising their determination to transform a personal trauma into a positive force for others. “They stepped up, felt both grateful and thankful, and changed the narrative to positivity,” she said. “Through their energy and efforts, they are helping others and potentially preventing other families from experiencing what they went through.”
Now in its 27th year, the Kerry Garda Youth Community Safety Awards honour young people who make their communities a safer and better place. This year, the O’Sullivan brothers’ bravery, advocacy, and dedication made them truly deserving recipients.

08/10/2025

Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series 2025
Announced

This year marks the 37th year of the annual Killarney National Park ‘Autumn Talks Series’ 2025, set to return to Killarney House commencing Thursday, 9th October, and will continue each Thursday night for six weeks. The popular weekly event will take place at Killarney House Auditorium at 8.00pm. The talks series is free, seating is limited, it will also be live-streamed via the Killarney National Park page
Long time organiser of the Talks Series NPWS Conservation Ranger, Padruig O’Sullivan, added ”We are very proud of the Autumn Talks Series, which appears to be the longest running and most successful nature talks in the Country. The speakers and subjects chosen are always engaging. The live-streaming has enhanced the experience with audiences joining from all parts of the globe, which is so encouraging. The speakers stem from every walk of life this year and I’ve no doubt will prove very popular”.
For the latest updates keep in touch with the page or instagram page.
List and dates of Autumn Talks Series 2025
9th October: Julian Friers Artist ‘Wild Ireland’ Past•Present•Future
16th October: Alan McCarthy ‘The Secret Lives of Owls in Ireland
23rd October: James Flynn ‘Killarney Arbutus Furniture History 1825-1953’
30th October: Chris Barron ‘Killarney National Park Education Centre: 40 Years of Conservation’
6th November: John Casey ‘ The History of Irish Forests from Tudor to the early 20th Century’
13th November: Éamonn Meskell ‘Killarney National Park Projects and Operational Works update 2025’

08/10/2025

Killarney Musician’s Band Pebbledash Feature in Steven Knight’s House of Guinness

There is a strong Killarney connectionin Steven Knight’s much-anticipated new series House of Guinness, with local musician Fionnbharr Hickey, frontman of the rising Irish band Pebbledash, featuring on the soundtrack.
The group’s cinematic reimagining of the 17th-century lament “Carraig Aonair” was chosen for the series, introducing international audiences to a piece of Ireland’s cultural and historical memory through a modern, atmospheric lens.
Released in 2024, Pebbledash’s version of “Carraig Aonair” is a fresh take on the traditional séan nós lament, originally composed in the 1690s by Conchubhar Ó’Laoghaire. The song mourns the drowning of his three sons and son-in-law off the Cork coast. With Asha Egan McCutcheon delivering a soft yet haunting vocal and synth layers by Cormac Donovan O’Neill adding raw ambience, the track bridges the gap between past and present, grief and art.
Fionnbarr Hickey, the son of Mike and Teresa Hickey from Woodlawn grew up in Killarney before helping to form Pebbledash in Cork, the achievement marks another step in a fast-rising career.
Pebbledash are now taking their sound across Europe and the UK, with performances at Left of the Dial in Rotterdam, They’re Gonna Be Big in Paris, and a November headline tour including dates in Cork, Dublin, Belfast, London, Manchester, and Leeds.

07/10/2025

Amelia Crowned
Regatta Queen

By Padraig Mannix

The swirling waters of Lough Leane may have been too wild for racing this year, but the spirit of Killarney’s rowing tradition could not be dampened. On Thursday, September 25th, the annual Killarney Regatta Dance lit up The Oaks Hotel, as rowers, families, and supporters came together to celebrate a sporting and cultural legacy stretching back over two centuries.
The Killarney Regatta, first held in 1788, is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events. Originally a gathering for the local gentry and rowing enthusiasts, it quickly became a beloved community tradition, intertwining competition, social celebration, and town pride. Over the centuries, it has seen generations of rowers take to the water, while families and supporters have gathered to witness feats of skill, endurance, and camaraderie. Even today, the Regatta remains a symbol of Killarney’s sporting spirit and cultural heritage.
Though this year’s races were cancelled due to high winds, the passion for the event remained undiminished. The ballroom at The Oaks Hotel buzzed with excitement, as representatives from the six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St. Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross came together to celebrate the community and its shared history. Music, laughter, and stories of past Regattas filled the room, reminding everyone present that the tradition is about much more than the races themselves.
A cornerstone of the evening was the crowning of the Regatta Queen, a tradition that has been part of the event for generations. The Queen is more than a ceremonial figure; she represents the spirit, pride, and grace of the rowing community and the town itself. This year, the contestants were:
Sorcha Coffey – Fossa
Amelia Counihan – Workman’s
Jenna Coffey – Muckross
Holly Heffernan – Flesk Valley
Emma Meehan – St. Brendan’s
After much anticipation, Amelia Counihan of Workman’s Rowing Club was crowned the 237th Killarney Regatta Queen, adding her name to a long line of young women who have proudly carried forward this celebrated tradition.
Workman’s Rowing Club shared their pride and congratulations saying the “The crowning of the Regatta Queen is more than a title , it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing. Amelia embodies everything that our tradition stands for: dedication, pride, and grace. Congratulations to her and all the remarkable young women who represented their clubs.”
From its origins as a gathering of local rowing enthusiasts to its place today as a cherished symbol of community, the Killarney Regatta has witnessed centuries of history. While weather may have prevented the races this year, it could not dampen the energy, pride, and continuity of a tradition that has thrived for over 237 years, and promises to continue inspiring generations of rowers and supporters for many more to come.

07/10/2025

KCC STUDENTS ENJOY SPANISH TRIP

For some it was their first trip abroad and what an unforgettable one.
Spanish students from Third, Transition and Fifth Year of Killarney Community College put their language skills to the test in a four day language trip to Salamanca, Spain with the Mester Academy. Each morning they took part in a four hour grammar and culture class with native Spanish teachers, followed by typical Spanish meals and cultural activities by night. They had a guided tour of the city, visited the Cathedral, took part in Salsa dancing lessons and Spanish tortilla making. A great experience which ignited a newfound appreciation and curiosity for the language and travel.

06/10/2025

Celebrating 50 Years of Citizens
Information in Ireland

Citizens Information recently marked a major milestone — 50 years of service to communities across Ireland. To celebrate the occasion, staff from the Kerry Citizens Information offices in Tralee, Killarney and Caherciveen gathered for a special function at the Tralee office.
Pictured at the event (L–R): Marian Rose Curtin, Inna Adam-Kurtieva, Stephen Hennessy, Jodie Thompson, Melanie Vann, Deidre Vann Bourke (Development Manager), Declan Canty, Geraldine Carleton, Lillian Doolan, Eithne Garvey and Sandra Daw.

Missing from the picture were Imelda Elmes, Andrew McCarthy and Catriona Logue.

Photo: Michael G. Kenny

06/10/2025

CALL TO ABOLISH VAT ON WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

Cllr. John O’Donoghue has raised an issue at the recent Killarney Municipal Disctict meeting that the council would write to The Ministers for Health and Finance and ask that the VAT be abolished on weight loss drugs due to their ability to combat such a wide variety of diseases.
“I was approached recently by a healthcare professional regarding these drugs and their high cost. As well as helping with weight loss, they have a huge amount of additional benefits as they help alleviate and in many cases prevent, many of the secondary health issues associated with obesity. Doctors are seeing a huge reduction in the likelihood of patients on these drugs getting such ailments as diabetes as well as seriously lowering the risk of strokes, heart attacks and other vascular complaints. Currently the high price of these drugs is putting them beyond the reach of many, and were the VAT to be abolished, as is the case with many other medicines, this would help somewhat with the high costs involved. The saving to the exchequer in the long run would quite likely far outweigh the initial cost as less people would ultimately have to go the hospital for procedures. A health system where the best treatments are only available to those who can afford them is far from desirable, and this would help eliminate the two tier health system and I call upon the relevant Ministers to abolish the VAT on these life saving treatments in the upcoming Budget”, Cllr. O’Donoghue said.

05/10/2025

Killarney breast cancer survivor calls on the public to support the Irish Cancer Society’s Big Pink Breakfast campaign

Breast cancer survivor Marie Shannon from Killarney is supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and life-changing breast cancer research projects.
Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.
Marie Shannon (63) from Killarneywas diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer – which means cancer was found in both of her breasts – in 2023 after going for a routine mammogram. Her treatment included lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Marie finished her treatment in February 2024, and her first follow-up mammogram has come back clear since then.
Mother-of-two Marie says: “When I was diagnosed, the nurse was saying, ‘Are you OK?’ And I was saying, ‘I’m fine’. I was in denial. I didn’t get a shock from it, I just put it aside. But as time goes on, I realise how lucky I was, that it was caught so early.”
Marie is sharing her story to encourage people to support the Big Pink Breakfast campaign to help people like her who have been affected by breast cancer.
Marie says: “I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast campaign, a huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public. If you are at all able, please support this important cause. You can sign up at cancer.ie/pink”
Mary O’Kelly, Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a date and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis.
“It’s really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible.
“Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and if appropriate, refer you for further assessment.
“If you are concerned about breast cancer, call the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at www.cancer.ie”

This October the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, Night Nursing and much more. Funds raised will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research projects.

To learn more or get involved, please visit: cancer.ie/pink

Symptoms of breast cancer include:

A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
A change in size or shape of one breast like one breast becoming larger than the other.
A change in the skin of your breast, like puckering or dimpling (the skin may look like orange peel).
A breast abscess – (infected boil) this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast.
A change in your ni**le, like a pulled-in, sunken or flattened ni**le.
An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your ni**les. The discharge may be blood stained or watery.
A change on or around the ni**le like a rash or flaky or crusted skin.
Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.
Breast pain alone is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.

9 out of 10 breast changes won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but it’s important to go to your GP if you have any symptoms and get them checked out.

Impact of your support:

In 2024, generous support by the Irish public:
Fuelled more than 5150 lifts to treatment for breast cancer patients through the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service.
Provided over 380 nights of vital end of life comfort and care to breast cancer patients through the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service.
Supported people affected by breast cancer through over 5,350 supportive and comforting conversations with the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line and Daffodil Centre nurses.
Provided over 5,330 free counselling sessions to help breast cancer patients cope with a with their diagnosis.