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Killarney Outlook, Killarney (2025)

15/12/2025

Killarney Legion coaches hail
historic Erasmus+ Sports Project.

Killarney Legion’s historic Erasmus+ Sports Mobility project, launched in February with the support of Sean Kelly M.E.P., club executive members and the Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership, drew to a close this week as grassroots coaches returned from the Club La Santa sports resort in Lanzarote. 10 coaches received support from the Erasmus+ Sports Mobility Coach Shadowing programme, which allowed them, and 8 other colleagues to shadow coaching delivered by the Club La Santa “Green Team” professional coaches and instructors.
This was the first time a GAA club availed of Sports Mobility Erasmus+ funding with an application for funding made to the National Agency, Léargas, with the facilitation of KRSP back in October 2024. The Legion project was titled “Multisport Coach Shadowing for Multi-age Fitness & Conditioning” and saw the Legion coaches learn by observation and participation in activities delivered by Club La Santa sports coaches in a wide range of activities from their sport programme.
Activities shadowed which are transferrable to the Club’s on-field and off-field training included Athletics Techniques, Functional Movement, Hyrox, Crossfit, TRX, Circuit Training, Fitball, Hill Reps (V02), stretching & recovery and nutrition programmes. Coaches were also encouraged to shadow some non-transferrable coached activities which would allow them to focus on how the Green Team professional coach prepared communicated and managed delivery.
Legion coaches maintained an online journal to record their observations, learning and upload media. The club and KRSP intend will issue certificates to reflect their learning and experiences in the project. Feedback from all the participants has been exceptionally positive. The club will be organising some coaching workshops during the winter where participants will have an opportunity to share & transfer learnings from the project.
Legion will be hosting a Léargas Sports Mobility workshop in January 2026 for any sports club who is considering a sports mobility project for 2026. The next Erasmus+ funding call deadline is in February 2026.
In its final Project report, the club has called upon the EU and Léargas, the national agency supporting Erasmus+ projects in Ireland, to expand The Erasmus+ Sports Mobility programmes to aid grassroots clubs tackle the challenges of coach recruitment, retention and development. The club is also happy to share experiences to assist other Kerry clubs get involved in Erasmus+ projects through Kerry GAA networks or via the Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership.
Legion’s Project lead, Minor Coach and club Vice-Chairman Brian Looney thanked Léargas for the project support, Club La Santa’s Sports Director Michael Møller and his “Green team” coaches for their generous guidance and KRSP & Coordinator Gearoid O’Doherty for their facilitation.

15/12/2025

COFFEE MORNING AT THE BANK
RAISES €1,385

A recent Bank of Ireland coffee morning in support of the Kerry Hospice Foundation proved a tremendous success, raising the grand sum of €1,385. The event brought together staff, customers and supporters for a morning of refreshments, goodwill and community spirit, all in aid of a cause that continues to make an important difference for patients and families across Kerry.
The organisers thank everyone who baked, donated and attended, helping to ensure another successful fundraiser for Kerry Hospice.

14/12/2025

Kilcummin GAA Ladies’ Committee Announces Return of Popular Pink Night in Aid of Comfort for Chemo

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the much-anticipated return of its annual Pink Night, taking place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3rd. Now in its twelfth year,and supporting Comfort for Chemo for the fifth consecutive year,the event remains one of the club’s most cherished community fundraisers.
Guests will be welcomed with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable post-Christmas evening. While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, organisers stress that dressing up is entirely optional.
“It’s all about community, enjoyment, and supporting a great cause,” committee member Kathleen Ryan said, expressing gratitude to local sponsors for their continued generosity. “Their support means so much, and it helps make the night a truly special occasion.”
Prizes will be presented for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male, adding a fun competitive element to the celebration.
Entertainment begins at 8:00pm, with performances from Derry and Rosie Healy until 10:00pm, followed by Barry McGrath, who will keep the party going late into the night.
A brilliant raffle and a selection of fantastic door prizes,generously donated by local businesses,will feature throughout the evening.
With free admission and a warm welcome guaranteed, the organisers are encouraging everyone to come out and join the pink-themed celebration in support of a vital local cause.
All are welcome,come join the pink celebration!

14/12/2025

Picture for Palliative Under Andy’s Arches:
Winter
Wonderland Fundraiser at Killarney
Carpet &
Furniture
Centre

Killarney Carpet & Furniture Centre was transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland on Sunday, December 7th, as the popular local store invited families to step into a festive scene in support of Palliative Care services.
The initiative, affectionately titled “Picture for Palliative Under Andy’s Arches,” saw the store’s showroom converted into a Christmas grotto, complete with a seasonal backdrop perfect for family photographs. Visitors enjoyed warm hot chocolate, soaked up the festive atmosphere, and made donations to Palliative Care.
The event held a deeply personal significance for the O’Sullivan family. Speaking to Killarney Outlook, Niall O’Sullivan said the fundraiser was a fitting tribute to his late father, Andy O’Sullivan.
“This was something that my dad, Andy, would have been very proud of,” Niall said. “He loved Christmas, and we could not thank the Palliative Care team enough for the support and care that both he and our family received when he passed away last November.”
To honour Andy’s memory, the family created a dedicated photo studio inside the store. On Sunday, December 7th, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., families dropped in, took as many photos as they wished, and left donations of every size to support the vital work of Palliative Care.
In a generous gesture, the store matched every donation made. The festive photo studio and donation box remain in place from December 7th right through to Christmas Eve, giving shoppers plenty of time to take part.
Niall hoped the community would embrace the event, enjoy a moment of Christmas magic, and help raise funds for a cause that touched many families in Kerry, and it truly was an amazing day.

14/12/2025

Killarney Students Join Forces to Boost Biodiversity and Fight Litter

The Mayor of Killarney, Cllr. Martin Grady, has praised the collaborative efforts of three local secondary schools after students joined forces with the Killarney Tidy Towns Committee, Kerry County Council and the Meitheal to strengthen environmental action across the town.
Students from St. Brendan’s College, St. Brigid’s Secondary School and Killarney Community College delivered impressive presentations at a recent community meeting, outlining the proactive steps each school is taking to promote biodiversity, tackle litter waste and protect the local environment.
As part of their initiatives, the schools conducted detailed surveys to identify litter-prone areas around Killarney. Students then carried out targeted clean-ups, while also raising awareness about the causes and consequences of littering. Practical environmental projects were also highlighted, including the construction of bird feeders in woodwork classes, now mounted throughout school grounds to support local wildlife.
One of the central strategies shared by all three schools is the ongoing development and nurturing of on-campus garden spaces. These green areas, teachers explained, serve far more than decorative purposes: they enhance biodiversity, provide habitats for pollinators, support the local ecosystem and offer students of all abilities a calming, hands-on learning environment.
Mayor Grady, along with members of the Tidy Towns Committee, commended the students and staff for their dedication, noting that their work is already making a visible difference in the community. He added that the committee looks forward to building on this partnership in the months ahead.

13/12/2025

New Health Buildings still Empty

By Anne Lucey

A year after it was set to open the Killarney 130 bed community nursing unit has the lights on. But there’s no one home.
The new hospital is a depressing sight to pass on a dark night.
Inside the walls of the old isolation hospital sits another empty brand new facility with the taps being turned on and off.
Eight years on, a large kitchen block at the very highly rated Deer Lodge which might have cooked not just for itself but for the neighbouring nucleus of hospitals lies empty.
The kitchen is fully equipped but hasn’t a sausage in the large larder. In actual fact, the food for the 40 residents is being delivered.
HSE can’t tell me how much the kitchen block cost only that it was part of the 13 million euro development.
I wonder how well any of the large cookers, electric equipment etc are working now having never been used in eight years.
Has no one thought this could be used to prepare meals and wheels instead of bringing them by van from Tralee?
HSE South West told me: “Catering for Deer Lodge is currently provided by the neighbouring catering department in Killarney Community Hospitals.
This arrangement will end once the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit opens next year, and arrangements are in place for the fully equipped kitchen at Deer Lodge to take over this catering. This includes recruitment of catering staff. Flushing of drains at the facility takes place every week as is standard practice to ensure compliance with Legionella regulations.
As the kitchen at Deerlodge was developed as part of the construction of the approved centre, a standalone figure for the cost of the kitchen is not available.”
Why has this scandal been allowed? I know Cllr Marie Moloney is trying to raise the matter and seek an explanation why the kitchen block has never been used.Particularly why the Killarney Meals and Wheels service could not be accommodated in the unit instead of bringing hot food by van from Tralee.
We have been concentrating on the old buildings - when, clearly, questions need to be posed about newer ones.

13/12/2025

⚠️Met Éireann has issued a Status ORANGE weather warning for Kerry, effective from 3am to 9pm on Sunday

Sustained heavy rainfall during this period is expected to cause difficult travelling conditions.

Expected impacts include:

• Significant river and surface water flooding
• Hazardous travelling conditions
• Poor visibility

Kerry County Council is advising of the likelihood of surface water and flooding on many routes, particularly over the southern half of the county on Sunday. Motorists should travel with care throughout what is a prolonged period of significant volumes of rainfall.

The Council’s emergency weather contact number will be operational throughout the period of the weather warning and roads-related issues can be reported to 066 7183588

Updates on any issues which arise will be shared on the Council’s social media platforms.

https://www.met.ie/warnings-tomorrow.html

13/12/2025

Chamber chief
reflects on a hugely positive year

The President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has reflected on a very progressive and positive year in 2025 with many highlights that have helped maintain Killarney’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.
Johnny McGuire told the annual President’s Christmas Luncheon at the Killarney Park Hotel that a number of senior chamber members achieved great success throughout the year, including Patrick O’Donoghue of the Gleneagle Group being named Kerry Business Leader of the Year, Pat O’Leary joining the board of Tourism Ireland and the town doing exceptionally well in both the national tidy towns competition and the Irish Business Against Litter League.
He said Killarney could not achieve what it does without the wonderful contribution from volunteers, right throughout the community, including those who help out with tidy towns, the mountain meitheal and the numerous festivals, parades and events that chamber hosts every year.
The business organisation also hosted some very engaging guest speakers at many of its gatherings throughout 2025, including retail consultant Eddie Shanahan, IBEC chief Danny McCoy, Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Kerry County Council chief executive Fearghal Reidy and cyber security experts Mike Dennehy and Ger McAuliffe from progressive local company Tricel.
In a new departure this year chamber published informative monthly newsletters for members to keep them fully briefed on events happening in Killarney, what the chamber has been doing and what is in the pipeline.
Chamber played a very active part in Killarney’s outstanding gold medal performance in the national tidy towns competition, it made a dramatic improvement in the Irish Business Against Litter League and did really well in the annual county clean-up day that continues to grow and prosper, he said.
Mr McGuire referenced the great spirit of cooperation that exists with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in terms of all aspects of the park and he praised manager Shane Treacy and the Trustees of Muckross House for the wonderful work they are doing in preserving Killarney’s most precious asset.
He congratulated Con and Anne Stack, founders of Tricel, on being the recipients of the 2025 Order of Inisfallen Award, the Randles family of the Dromhall and Randles Hotels on celebrating 60 years in business and Cllr Niall Kelleher and Tom Leslie for spearheading another hugely successful Christmas in Killarney Festival.
The chamber president noted that a decision was taken this year to honour the memory of the late Donal Grady, a former Mayor of Killarney, by dedicating the star at the top of the Tree of Light on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral to his memory.
Mr McGuire welcomed new chamber vice president, Carol Dempsey, and he said he looks forward to her input and to working closely with her on several projects as the new year unfolds.
He also acknowledged the long-serving co-president Padraig Treacy for his remarkable contribution to chamber and he said he was delighted to confirm that Padraig will remain on in the wings which is where he always likes to be.
The chamber chief concluded his address by taking heart from recent comments made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin who described Killarney as being a great town for getting things done and just getting on with it and as a location that had tourism in its DNA.
And speaking of getting things done, Mr McGuire said chamber recently had a private meeting with Mr Martin at which they lobbied him to introduce the long-promised latte levy so that the coffee cup initiative first introduced in Killarney can get a new lease of life and go on to thrive on a nationwide basis, just like the plastic bag levy introduced some years ago.

13/12/2025

Tidings of Comfort and Joy at Woodlawn Park as Residents Light Memory Tree

Residents of Woodlawn Park, Killarney, gathered on Monday night for a heartfelt and unifying tradition , the lighting of their Memory Tree, honouring loved ones who are fondly remembered at Christmastime.
The community welcomed Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr. Martin Grady, who was invited to switch on the tree’s lights during a warm and reflective ceremony attended by neighbours of all ages.
A special moment came as first-generation residents , Tim O’Leary, Angela Curran, Mella Wade, Pam Brosnan, Jacquie O’Sullivan, Kathleen Pyne, Breda O’Connor, Gerry O’Donoghue, Mossie Cremin, Derry Pyne and Denis Carroll , gathered together to mark the occasion. Joining them were third-generation residents Jennifer Pyne, Robyn O’Leary and Sophie Tyler-Curran, symbolising the enduring sense of community spirit in Woodlawn Park.
The Memory Tree lighting has become a treasured annual event, offering comfort, reflection and joy as the neighbourhood comes together to celebrate the season and remember those no longer with them.

12/12/2025

An Amble with Alice for Jack and Jill:

Community Invited to 6km Charity Walk Through Killarney National Park

Killarney is set to come together in compassion and solidarity on Sunday, December 28th, 2025, for An Amble with Alice for Jack and Jill , a 6km charity walk through the breathtaking trails of Killarney National Park.
The walk will begin at 2 p.m., offering families, friends, and supporters the chance to enjoy an afternoon in nature while raising much-needed funds for The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. The foundation provides specialist home nursing care and vital support to children with complex medical needs across Ireland.
For the Gleeson family, this cause is deeply personal. Their daughter, Alice, has required ongoing medical care, and The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation has played an essential role in supporting both Alice and her parents, Brian and Jessica Gleeson.
“Jack and Jill have been a lifeline for us,” the family shared. “Their care, understanding, and presence in our home have given us strength during some of our most challenging moments. We are incredibly grateful, and this walk is our way of giving back.”
Participants are encouraged to join the Gleeson family on the picturesque 6km route or to show support by donating whatever they can. Every euro raised will go directly to The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, helping ensure that other families facing similar challenges receive the same crucial support.
With the spirit of the season still in the air and the beauty of Killarney National Park as the backdrop, the Gleesons hope the community will turn out in force , walking not just for Alice, but for every child and family who depend on Jack and Jill’s extraordinary work.
For those unable to attend, donations are warmly welcomed, and all contributions , big or small , will make a meaningful difference.
The Gleeson family looks forward to seeing as many supporters as possible on December 28th for an afternoon of hope, solidarity, and community kindness.

12/12/2025

St Brendan’s College
Launches Christmas Jumper Day in Aid of Kerry Hospice

Festive spirit was in full swing at St Brendan’s College this week as students and staff officially launched their annual Christmas Jumper Day, which will take place next Monday in support of Kerry Hospice / Palliative Care.
The event encourages students to don their most colourful and creative Christmas jumpers, all while raising vital funds for hospice and palliative care services in Kerry.
St Brendan’s College has a long tradition of supporting the Kerry Hospice Foundation, and staff say the upcoming event is expected to once again generate strong participation and goodwill within the school community.
The group gathered for a photo to promote the initiative, as preparations begin for what promises to be a fun and meaningful day at the college.

Photos: Michelle Cooper Galvin

12/12/2025

Killarney’s Jessie Buckley Nominated for Golden Globe

Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the new film Hamnet, starring opposite Irish actor Paul Mescal, who has also received a nomination. The film has earned further recognition with nominations for Best Screenplay (Motion Picture) and Best Direction for filmmaker Chloé Zhao.
Hamnet is a period drama based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel. It follows William Shakespeare, played by Mescal, and his wife Agnes, portrayed by Buckley, as they cope with the death of their son Hamnet, an event that ultimately inspires Shakespeare to write one of the greatest plays in history, Hamlet.
Jessie, the daughter of Marina Cassidy and Tim Buckley, is nominated in the Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture category. She continues to enjoy international acclaim; she currently features on the front cover of ELLE magazine’s Women in Hollywood issue.
A former member of Killarney Musical Society, Jessie performed in the Society’s production of Carousel before going on to find fame on the West End in London. Her latest achievement marks another proud moment for her hometown.

Killarney Outlook

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