Killarney Outlook

14/07/2025

72 Players Tee Off for the Tommy Galvin Shield 2025

The Tommy Galvin Shield is now four years old and reached its maximum capacity this year with 72 players from 11 schools completing for the coveted prize of best school in the Killarney area at pitch and putt. Shirley, Helena and the staff of Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club gave the students their usual warm and supportive welcome, and the course looked in pristine condition for the big day. Every tee box was loaded with four players for the shotgun start and there was a palpable excitement about this year’s event. The competition also had a record number of girls playing with eleven competing from six schools, showing the growing popularity of pitch and putt, and golf among the girls.
After a day of low scoring, the winner of the girl’s competition was the multi-talented Annabelle Casey from Tiernaboul NS. The boy’s competition was won by the equally multi-talented Aodhán O’ Halloran of Kilcummin NS, winning by just one stroke. The winner of the team event and the much coveted Tommy Galvin Shield was St. Oliver’s NS, with Fionn Culloty, Ronan Browne, Leo O’ Riordan and Evan O’ Donoghue topping the poll. This was the first time a school have won the shield for two years in a row and it was fitting that it was a St. Oliver’s team, where the competition originated, and where Tommy Galvin taught until his retirement. Tommy was delighted with the day, bringing treats for the many students who enjoyed a fabulous day out. It was noted how well behaved every student was who competed. A big thank you to all the teachers and SNAs who helped with the various schools, and to Shirley, Helena and the staff of Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club, who were so welcoming to everybody.
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14/07/2025

Toastmasters: Where Leaders Are Made

Killarney Club Welcomes New President Selma Dineen

Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Now entering its 21st year, Killarney Toastmasters celebrated another successful year at its annual luncheon on July 6th, welcoming incoming President Selma Dineen, who officially succeeded Anne Hannan in the role. The ceremonial handover of the chain of office marks the beginning of Selma’s one-year term as club president.
Outgoing President Anne Hannan reflected on a strong year of growth, during which club membership increased by 50% to 27 members, and the club achieved Distinguished Club Status, a notable recognition from Toastmasters International. “What’s been most rewarding is how new and existing members have supported one another. The growth has strengthened the club in every way,” said Anne. “There is strength in numbers, and we leverage each other’s skills and experiences to help meet our personal and professional goals, not just in public speaking, but across a wide range of personal development ambitions.”
Killarney Toastmasters offers a supportive and positive learning environment where members build skills in communication, leadership, confidence, critical thinking, time management, and active listening. Whether preparing for a presentation, an upcoming speech, boosting interview confidence, or simply wishing to become a more effective communicator, Toastmasters provides a proven structure to help members succeed at their own pace.
Incoming President Selma Dineen expressed her enthusiasm for the year ahead:
“I’m honoured to take on the role of President for Killarney Toastmasters,” she said. “This club has been instrumental in helping me grow as a communicator and leader. My goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels encouraged, supported, and inspired to challenge themselves and achieve things they never thought possible.”
Vice President for Education Nikolina added that membership growth, educational achievements, and club participation in contests and events will be key goals for the coming year.
Members and guests from the Tralee and Mallow Toastmasters clubs joined Killarney members at the Dromhall Hotel – the club’s home venue – for a social celebration of achievements and camaraderie.
If you’re curious about Toastmasters or looking to build your confidence in a friendly, supportive setting, you are warmly invited to attend a meeting. We are starting back on September 9th at 7.45pm in the Dromhall Hotel.
Contact: Anthony Walsh, Membership Officer – 086 2465396

13/07/2025

Randles Hotel Surprises Family with Free Stay in
Ireland’s First Accessible Suite with Hoist

A family who had long struggled to find suitable holiday accommodation for their disabled daughter has been gifted a free stay at a newly renovated hotel in Killarney, offering what may be Ireland’s first accessible suite equipped with a ceiling hoist.
Speaking on Newstalk this week, listener Carmel, the mum of Caoimhe, shared the challenges her family faces when trying to plan holidays with her 28-year-old daughter, Caoimhe, who uses a custom wheelchair and requires full-body support.
“She can’t sit in any other chair,” Carmel explained. “So, going on an airline or using any other seat isn’t possible. That’s why we holiday at home.”
Despite many hotels advertising themselves as accessible, Carmel said few, if any, provide the facilities they truly need, particularly a hoist system to safely transfer Caoimhe out of her chair.
“Accessibility usually just means you can get through the door,” she said. “But it’s the transferring part, from the wheelchair to the bed or bathroom,that no one offers.”
Until recently, the family managed with help from Carmel’s other daughter, Aoife, performing a “three-man lift” during holidays. However, with Aoife now living abroad, lifting Caoimhe is no longer possible, effectively putting family trips on hold.
That changed when hotelier Tom Randles, owner of Randles Hotel in Killarney, heard Carmel’s story live on air. He reached out with an offer that left the family stunned.
“We’ve just completed renovations, and to my knowledge, we’ve built Ireland’s first accessible suite with a hoist,” said Tom. “It’s also a family room, so it’s suitable for both individuals and families.”
Moved by Carmel’s story and drawing from personal experience with a friend who also faces accessibility barriers, Tom said he would be “delighted” to host the family free of charge.
Carmel was overwhelmed by the offer, calling it the “best news ever” and saying she couldn’t imagine a more beautiful location than Killarney.
Thanks to Randles Hotel, Caoimhe and her family may now enjoy a much-needed and long-overdue holiday of their own.

13/07/2025

Killarney hosts Europe 50 years on

By DARAGH SMALL

He has two main roles this week, ball spotter in Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and masseuse at Croke Park.
Golf and Gaelic football have forever been intertwined throughout the course of Harry O’Neill’s life and this week will be a little more extraordinary.
In the first part of the week he relives his memory of 1975, a 50-year-wait to reminiscence on a simpler time when he caddied for the Italians at the European Amateur Team Championship.
Then he turns his attentions to GAA headquarters for a date with Tyrone on Saturday evening, as the Kingdom look to book their place in another All-Ireland Senior Football Final.
And ironically, when he his making his way up the steps of the Hogan Stand to take his seat alongside the rest of the Kerry team, the action will be coming to a head back in his beloved Killarney.
“That would be an absolute dream week (if Ireland and Kerry won), hopefully that will happen,” said Harry.
“Back in 1975, at 14 years of age, I would have been far more in tune with the top amateur golfers in Ireland than I would be now.
“But I think one of the big things coming out of it, Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy all these guys from previous years, you want to be there to see these young guys playing, who in a couple of years’ time is going to be the guy that’s hitting the top of the professional ranks?
“It would be fantastic to look back and say, wow I remember him in Killarney.”
There are 16 countries involved this week with the Killeen Course playing host to some of the stars of the future.
Michael Coghlan was another caddy back in the summer of 1975, he was 20 at the time and can recall some of the finer details of his week caddying for the star-studded English team. Michael was on the bag of Jeffrey Marks.
Caddies received a £5 payment for their week and that was another huge bonus as the sun beamed down on Lough Leane.
Unfortunately, the pollen count was also high and that meant a course of injections for Harry to stave off the dreaded hay fever.
Being a few years older, Michael (20) was able to soak up a bit more of the atmosphere in the town that week, and he has some fond memories of an historic event.
And although he has since moved to Meath, he still has a house in Killarney and has been a member of the club for almost 40 years – he will return to volunteer on course this week.
Harry is also steeped in the history of the club, the retired army captain turned physical therapist, was Captain of the Club in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
And as the European Team Championship makes history returning to the Kingdom, it is crucial to have lifelong members and volunteers still involved and devoting their valuable time and efforts.

13/07/2025

St. Brendan’s Rowing Club Names New Coastal Rowing Boat in Honour of Lifelong Member

St. Brendan’s Rowing Club recently held a special naming ceremony at Ross Castle to mark the launch of their new coastal rowing boat. The boat was named in honour of Donal “Dux” O’Donoghue, a lifelong member and dedicated supporter of the club.
Donal was joined at the ceremony by family, friends, fellow club members, and special guests including Mr. Bill Deasy, President of the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation, and committee members Mary B. Teahan and Andrew Wharton.
The new boat was made possible through funding from the National Lottery, alongside a year-long fundraising effort by the club.
Congratulations to all members who recently competed at the Whitegate Regatta in Cork on July 5th. The club is now looking forward to their next outing at the Flesk Valley Regatta on July 13th.
St. Brendan’s Rowing Club welcomes new members. If you are interested in trying coastal rowing, please contact Brendan on 083 096 5503.

12/07/2025

A shuttle service - but where will it land?

Shuttle buses for Killarney are to be in place within weeks, we were told at the last council meeting.
The shuttle service, involving three buses operating seven days, was “imminent,” Kerry County Council Director of Roads Services Frank Hartnett revealed, when asked for an update by Councillor John O’Donoghue
The buses will start at 6 am and continue to pick up and drop off passengers until 11 pm.
The service is part of the Smart demand responsive transport programme for Killarney and is being funded by the National Transport Authority, managed by the Local Link service.
“They are finalising routes and a travel plan. It is imminent,” the engineer said.
But the question is where will the buses land and where will they take off from?
I have a number of times raised the lack of public information with the Local Link service, countywide.
The stops, the timetables, the routes, should be more visible, published in local papers, on line and at bus stops especially.
Last week Local link acknowledged there is a problem with communicating its routes. It said the matter was in hand and will be addressed in the coming weeks.
It would want to be - people simply don’t know when and where the publicly funded buses are available.
Locals and visitors alike in Killarney will need to know where to get on and off the new shuttles in urban Killarney.
Meanwhile a number of readers have contacted the column to say the field next to St Mary’s Cathedral would be ideal as a park and ride stop. Perhaps the owners of the Cathedral field, St Brendan’s Trust, might be approached? There is little use for much of this field anymore.
Locations for park and ride were being identified was the response from the town management who said the routes will be “flexible” and involve corner to corner drop offs and will focus on inter urban trips.
Any relief from having to drive a car in and around Killarney will be welcome.

12/07/2025

Local Hero Shaves Her Head for Children Charity

Michelle Carey, a talented stylist at Salon B in Deerpark, made a powerful statement this week by shaving her head in support of the Keeley D Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children and families facing palliative care.
Originally from Co. Tipperary and now living in Killarney with her partner James and their two children, Finn and Ella, Michelle’s decision to support the foundation comes from a deeply personal place. She discovered the Keeley D Foundation through the Family Flowers Only podcast, hosted by Grief Ireland, a platform she turned to for comfort while navigating her own grief after losing her brother at just four and a half years old.
It was through this podcast that she heard the moving story of Eimear and Alan, and the heartbreaking loss of their beautiful daughter Keeley. Deeply touched by their journey, Michelle felt compelled to act and raise funds in honour of Keeley’s memory.
“Their story really stayed with me,” Michelle said. “It made me want to do something meaningful for families going through unimaginable loss.”
Her act of bravery and compassion has inspired those around her and shone a light on the vital work of the Keeley D Foundation.
Donations are still being accepted, simply scan the QR code to support this worthy cause and help make a difference in the lives of children and families in need.

12/07/2025

11/07/2025

Local Nurse Hailed as Hero After Saving
Runner’s Life on Fossa Way

A routine afternoon walk turned into a life-saving mission for local nurse Teresa Clifford and her husband Jerry, when they stumbled upon a collapsed man on the popular Fossa Way walking trail.
The couple, out enjoying the summer air, encountered a distressed passer-by who had already called emergency services after discovering the unconscious man. As it happened, Teresa, a highly experienced nurse and CPR instructor with the Irish Heart Foundation, immediately sprang into action.
The man, later identified as 55-year-old Terry O’Meara, a fit and regular runner, had been staying at the Europe Hotel with his wife Ciara for a family reunion. While out jogging, he collapsed without warning.
Teresa quickly took over CPR duties from the passer-by, who was being guided by ambulance personnel over the phone. Knowing every second counted, Teresa directed the woman to fetch a defibrillator located at The Nugget, a nearby establishment. Fortunately, another of Teresa’s colleagues happened to cycle by at that moment and, after hearing the situation, offered to help, swiftly pedaling off to retrieve the defibrillator himself.
Meanwhile, Teresa continued administering CPR for a staggering 15 minutes, with her husband Jerry stepping in periodically under her calm and expert instruction. Thanks to their relentless efforts, by the time first responders arrived, signs of life were returning to Mr. O’Meara.
An air ambulance landed on a nearby golf course, and Mr. O’Meara was airlifted to Cork University Hospital. Miraculously, he has since made a full recovery.
Back at Killarney Community Hospital, where Teresa has worked for years, colleagues are beaming with pride and have fittingly nicknamed her “The Resus Queen.” Teresa, who has trained hundreds in CPR since 1999, including many of her coworkers, emphasized the importance of public CPR knowledge in the wake of the event.
“More people need to learn CPR,” she said. “And they shouldn’t be afraid of using a defibrillator they guide you step by step. It could be the difference between life and death.”
She also voiced her support for CPR training being incorporated into the driver’s license process, as is the case in several European countries.
Thanks to Teresa’s quick thinking, medical training, and community spirit as well as the timely help from those around her — a life was saved on what could have been an ordinary day.
For Terry O’Meara and his family, it’s anything but ordinary. It’s unforgettable.

11/07/2025

Calls Grow for Urgent Approval of Stand-Alone Chemotherapy Unit at University Hospital Kerry

Comfort for Chemo Kerry has issued an urgent appeal to the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to expedite approval for a long-promised, stand-alone Chemotherapy and Haematology Unit at University Hospital Kerry (UHK).
In a strong statement released this week, the charity warned that the current temporary unit, established in 2023 as an interim solutio, is no longer capable of meeting the rising demand for cancer treatment in the region.
“The ward space re-enabled as an Interim Oncology Unit is wholly inadequate capacity-wise,” the statement reads. “While the current services are delivered with utmost efficiency and dedication, the physical space simply does not meet current or future needs.”
According to the Irish Cancer Society, the number of cancer patients in Ireland is expected to double over the next decade. Comfort for Chemo Kerry says this projection makes investment in a permanent, purpose-built oncology and haematology unit at UHK not just necessary, but urgent.
“The people of Kerry absolutely require a new stand-alone Oncology and Haematology Unit,” the group stated, adding that they “stand firm with and support the people of Kerry in advocating and urging the Minister for Health to expedite HSE capital funding approval” for the proposed project.

11/07/2025

Three Honoured with Paul Harris
Fellowship Awards for Outstanding
Community Service

Three exceptional individuals were recently honoured with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award by the Killarney Rotary Club. Named after Paul Harris, the Chicago attorney who founded Rotary International in 1905, the award recognises individuals, both Rotarians and non-Rotarians, who embody Rotary’s core motto: “Service Above Self.”
Presenting the awards Rotary President Ciara Irwin Foley (2024–2025), herself a past recipient of the honour. The ceremony was one of her final official duties before the end of the Rotary year in June. Ciara described the recipients as “most deserving” and praised their unwavering commitment to their community.
The first award was presented to Paul Sherry, a member of Killarney Rotary for 20 years. Known for his tireless volunteerism and never saying no to a request for help, Paul has been at the heart of nearly every club project since joining. His contributions extend beyond Rotary, having served in multiple leadership roles including:
President of Killarney Rotary (2013–2014)
Chairperson of Christmas in Killarney (five years)
Chairperson of the Killarney St. Patrick’s Festival
President of the Killarney Chamber of Commerce
Chairman of Killarney Celtic
Ciara described him as someone who “does an incredible amount of work in our community despite being a busy businessman.” Paul was visibly surprised and humbled upon receiving the award.
The second recipient was Mike Stack, a long-time member of the club and a passionate community advocate. A finalist in the International Category of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2014, Mike has championed a wide range of local initiatives. Together with his wife, he helped establish the micro track at St. Brendan’s, now a state-of-the-art training facility for athletes.
Mike currently chairs Killarney 2030, a sustainability project promoting eco-friendly initiatives and energy efficiency for local businesses. His company boasts the largest solar and heat pump installation in Ireland.
As club president in 2014–2015, Mike was a strong advocate for youth leadership, especially the Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition. Under his mentorship, the club has seen three consecutive winners advance to speak in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Ciara praised his dedication, saying, “He gives 110% to everything he is involved in.”
The third Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to Finbarr Kennelly, a club member for over 20 years and president in 2009–2010. Known for his deep community involvement, Finbarr has played key roles in the Christmas in Killarney, 4th of July Festival, St. Patrick’s Festival, Tidy Towns, and Killarney Looking Good.
In 2017, he spearheaded a national Men’s Sheds initiative in partnership with Killarney National Park and the Chamber of Commerce, supporting ongoing rhododendron eradication efforts. He also led the club’s involvement in the Rotary Literacy for Lebanon project.
A respected local employer, Finbarr is known for his loyalty and strong relationships, with many of his employees staying with his business for over two decades.
All three recipients, Paul Sherry, Mike Stack, and Finbarr Kennelly were surprised but deeply honoured to receive the Paul Harris Fellowship, a recognition of their extraordinary commitment to bettering the Killarney community.
“Success is not measured by wealth, but by the positive impact you have on others.” -
Paul Harris and these three men are true embodiments of that belief.

10/07/2025

Cycling a Penny Farthing around the Ring of Kerry to raise funds for Down Syndrome Kerry, Anto Cronin crosses the finish line on his 50th Birthday at the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.
Photo: Killarney Camera Club

Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Anto Butch