Kenmare News

Congratulations to Alan Egan, Cahir, Kenmare who graduated from UCC with a Diploma in Environmental Sustainability and Climate.

Lisa Fanning and Martin Randles who were married on November 19th at Holy Cross Church. pic Nick Cavanagh

St Patrick’s Church would like to thank the community who supported and contributed so generously to their recent coffee morning held on December 2nd, with a special word of thanks to the Family Resource Centre for hosting the event. €1600 was raised which will be used towards the building of wheelchair facilities.

FatFace would like to thank the people of Kenmare for their generous donations for Focus Ireland. The whole town came come out to support them on the day, some even jumping on the bike to help them reach their goal, which was cycling the distance from Kerry to Donegal and back with the help of other Irish Fatface stores.

Lovely Rachael O’Sullivan is a busy mum with three children under the age of 3; Colm is two and a half whilst twins Ryan and Amber arrived last August, four weeks premature and were delivered on her kitchen floor. She was nominated for the RTE Today Show makeover by her aunt, doesnt she look fabulous!

Lauragh National School

November was a busy month in Lauragh National School. We celebrated Science week from the 14th – 18th of November. Science Week is a week-long event in Ireland each November, celebrating science in our everyday lives. A big thank you to Mr Chuck Delpier for joining us we had a blast!

We have recently added a Sensory Pod to the school. This Provides the children with a calming, safe sensory space to relax, unwind and discover.

Our school is also participating in the Blast Programme and are enjoying Drama lessons every week with our Drama Teacher Sharon. The children are busy preparing for the Christmas show.

Please follow us on our School Facebook page for updates or check out our school website: https://lauraghnsie.wordpress.com

Kenmare Churches' Seasonal Events & Christmas Services for everybody

Kenmare Parish

Saturday December 24th December.

Direendarragh 6pm Christmas Vigil Holy Cross Church 9pm Christmas Vigil

Christmas Day Sunday December 25th Holy Cross Church 9am & 12noon Templenoe Church 10.30am

St Patrick’s Church of Ireland

December 18th 12noon Holy Communion with carols

December 24th 4pm Nativity with a slight difference

Christmas Day Sunday December 25th 12noon

Christmas Church Family Communion

Gateway Methodist Church V93 T9XT - opposite Brook Lane Hotel

Friday December 16th 4.30pm

Christmas Messy Church Story, songs, arts and crafts, festive refreshments for children (must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Friday December 16th 7pm Candlelight Carol service with tea, coffee & festive food

Christmas Day Sunday December 25th 11.30am Christmas Day service

A Christmas blessing from the clergy of Kenmare Churches:

A boy has been born to us; A Child has been given to us. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor; Mighty God, Eternal Father, the Prince of Peace.

Fr George Hayes, Rev Michael Kavanagh & Rev Alison Gallagher.

Bernard Hourihan was delighted to pick up the Award for "Best Hidden GemMunster" on behalf of Kenmare Golf Club at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards on Monday night.

Great recognition for what the club has achieved in 2022, and a boost for Kenmare as a golf destination in 2023.

Art auction planned for 2023 at the Butter Market

Have you built a collection of paintings and enjoyed finding, purchasing and building your collection over a period of time? Do you now find yourself in a different home where the paintings don’t work in the same way as previously imagined, or do you simply wish to purchase more art but don’t have anywhere to hang it?

If so, you may be interested in the latest idea from Kenmare Butter Market.

Kenmare Butter Market want to gauge interest in holding an auction of paintings from private collections. Depending on the depth of public interest, they will host an exhibition of these works during the month of March 2023. They will handle all paintings in a professional manner and will utilise the services of a fully licensed auctioneer.

To learn more or register interest in participating in this unique event please contact Claire Bunbury at kenmarebuttermarket@gmail.com with the title ‘Auction’ by January 14th 2023.

Happy Christmas

From the Butter Market Team

Thank you for your support in 2022

www.kenmarebuttermarket.org

Cora loves humanitarian work and although this was her sixteenth mission with Operation Smile it was her first in the UAE. Niamh has been working in CCAD for seven years and volunteering with Operation Smile for three.This year Cora and Niamh cared for 15 babies after their life-changing operations to repair craniofacial abnormalities (cleft lip) and enjoyed sharing this rewarding experience together.

Templenoe Rowing club thank everyone for successful year. "There was two years of no regattas due to the pandemic, but our little but mighty club has grown in strength and spirit. Templenoe were especially successful at the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships held in Wexford this year. Conditions were challenging with all crews battling choppy water. Templenoe brought home 9 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 2 bronze medals.

Gold medals belong to U16 boys, novice men, pre-veteran mixed, veteran men, senior men, master ladies, master men, FISA quad men and FISA quad women; silver medals belong to intermediate men, masters-mixed, FISA quad men and FISA quad women; bronze medals belong to senior-mixed sprint and masters-mixed. Well done to all our members, your hard work and commitment to training has not gone unnoticed, the medals are well deserving. A massive thank you to everybody involved in the club, members, parents, sponsors, coxswains, helpers and volunteers behind the scenes. Without all of the dedicated time and support none of this is possible, and we raise a toast to all and thank you for a memorable rowing year. We also take time to remember our friends and fellow club members who have gone before us. Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year to all.”

Kenmare Nurses Cora O’Leary and Niamh Breen pictured during a recent Operation Smile Mission in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

In the early 1990’s the art of making Kenmare Lace was passed on to Nora Finnegan by the Poor Clare nuns in Kenmare. It has been taught, demonstrated, made and sold at The Kenmare Lace and Design Centre ever since.

In August 2019 Nora was surprised to receive an invitation from the International Organisation of Lacemakers to teach Kenmare Lace at their national convention in Arizona.

Some of the organisers of the convention had previously visited the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre and were so impressed by what they saw that they were determined to have Kenmare Lace on the programme for the 2020 convention. Unfortunately Covid intervened and it was a further two years before it could happen.

In July 2022 ‘The Lacy Ladies of Arizona’ who were hosting the event, met Nora and Emer Finnegan off the plane in Phoenix. They had arrived a few days early to allow themselves time to recover from the journey and to take the opportunity to visit some historical sites such as The Irish Cultural Centre.

It soon became clear that there was another reason why an Irish lace teacher had been invited as there were many inhabitants of the area with Irish ancestry, there is even a facsimile of the Book of Kells in the Irish Cultural Centre in Phoenix. Wondering how Irish people ended up so far south they were told that many of them joined the army, a job that guaranteed a good wage,

clothing and food, after arriving in America in famine times.

The ladies found Kenmare Needlepoint Lace fascinating and over the course of the week beginners began to work their way through the nine basic Kenmare stitches in the mornings, while in the afternoons Nora worked with an Intermediate group. Nora had also developed a piece of modern needlepoint lace called ‘My wild Irish Rose’ which proved a particularly popular class.

A highlight of the trip was a lecture on Irish Lace which was enjoyed so much that the vice president of the organisation declared, ‘Nora Finnegan’s talk was so enjoyable that some of my friends and I are already talking about a tour of the many lace related Irish cities and towns.’

Although glad to come home and leave the heat of the desert, the Finnegan ladies say they will miss the warmth of the welcome and the appreciation for the beauty of Kenmare Lace.

Cllr Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen

Kenmare Municipal District Commissioner for Oaths

5 Main St, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, V93 D83W 087 29094325

pconnorscarteen@gmail.com

I have again raised the issue of manhole covers needing to be replaced or fixed as a matter of urgency around Kenmare town, a few are loose and create an awful clatter when cars pass over them. Some are under the remit of Eircom, Irish Water and others. At the time of going to print Irish Water was to fix their ones on Thursday night 8th December including the one at the Square.

If there are any particular locations that are experiencing flooding, blocked drains or have excess water on the road, please let me know and I will make representations to the Council.

The official opening of the Macroom Bypass by An Taoiseach was on Friday 9th December. The 22 km road costing in the region of €300 million will be of great benefit to Kenmare and Kerry People in general. Initially 8.4 km has been opened to traffic with the remainder of the road opening in September 2023. I asked KCC to write to the Department on many occasions throughout the years calling for the Macroom Bypass and we were fortunate that there was a strong voice in the Cabinet when funding was allocated by the Government in 2019, Macroom native and Fine Gael TD Michael Creed was then the Minister for Agriculture. Kerry Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin was also Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport and campaigned relentlessly for the bypass.

There are a variety of generous supports and grants available to make homes and businesses warmer and more energy efficient. Please feel free to contact me if anyone requires further information or the SEAI can be contacted directly on www.seai.ie or call 01 8082004.

Please give me a shout if you wish to obtain a copy of the Know where you stand leaflet, it gives comprehensive details about supports available in terms of health, housing, families and caring, pensions and social welfare.

Municipal motions:

1.That KCC requests that Kenmare Waste Water upgrade proceeds without further delay.

2. When will the Council houses currently under construction in Kenmare be ready for occupation?

3. Has there been many applications for Croi Connithe grants ( renovating derelict or unoccupied houses) locally.

4. How many playgrounds are due to be opened or upgraded?

5. That extra resources are dedicated to taking the water off our roads throughout the Municipal District.

6. That KCC carry out a campaign to create greater awareness of the range of assistance and supports available to people wishing to live more energy efficiently and environmentally friendly.

7. Has TII come back with any plans to make our approach roads safer on the Sneem and Killarney roads at Gortamullen Kenmare.

Cathaoirleach

Pictured with Michael Creed TD, Brendan Griffin TD and Macroom Councillors at the opening of the Macroom bypass

Remembering Father Kevin McNamara

Fr Kevin McNamara’s friends from all over the country came to Moyvane Parish church to celebrate his life and legacy. We unveiled a plaque in his honour at the ‘Door of Hope’ from which he said mass and gave hope to so many during the pandemic.

The President and Mrs Sabina Higgins came to Kenmare to unveil the War of Independence memorial in the Town Square and officially open the Peninsula and Cumann na mBan Parks. Having the President of Ireland in my hometown for the unveiling of the War of Independence monument to remember the men & women involved in the Headford Ambush was a huge honour for the town and a fitting tribute to the memory of some of our greatest generation who fought for our independence. The Peninsula Park & Cumann na mBan Park in Kenmare formally opened by the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins

Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Historic Visit to Kyiv for Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine

Kenmare Medical Centre

As the Holy event of Christmas draws near, I want to take this opportunity to issue to each and every one of my loyal supporters, friends, and constituents a very happy and Holy Christmas, and every good luck, health, and prosperity in 2023. The coming year will obviously bring, as it always does, new possibilities, opportunities; but also challenges. I will be glad to assist and help you and our greater community to the best of my ability at all times. I want to thank the people in all the different parts of Kerry who support me and assist me in this work. Both the excellent staff in my own office, but also the people who help me with the clinics, traveling the highways and byways of county Kerry which sometimes can be a difficult task at all hours of the day and night. The only way I can do it is with the help and support that I get. Always keep in contact and always use the political service that I provide. If over the Christmas period, you need help don’t hesitate to contact me on my mobile which is 087 246 1678.

Betting

and our traditional race tracks hosting meetings which is great for locals and visitors alike. I tried striking a balance in my contribution during the week to ensure that we can have a future for controlled gambling in Ireland keeping the very important jobs that are in the sector, keeping our traditions alive, from a governments point of view,

Teaching

I raised in the Dail this week the issue of additional resources that are required by the principles of our schools in Co. Kerry whereby we are actually losing support for challenged children in particularly, and that additional resources need to be provided to ensure that we will have a proper service to provide additional needs assistance to young pupils who might need further help.

Tousist

I was very glad to attend recently the very special 50th celebration of the Tousist GAA club. It was great to see all the people of all different ages there from back at that time when the club was first formed up to todays present young people. What was also extremely impressive was to see the excellent presentation on the future plans that the club has, I believe that the future is bright at Tousist for its young people if we can strive and work together to provide the new grounds and buildings that are needed. Congratulations again to the organizers of the night and to each of the participants who were selected to be the best team out of the 5 decades of the club.

Dentistry Services

I have been extremely concerned for a long period of time about the lack of support that the Government is giving to our dentists who provide services to medical card holders when it comes to their oral health and hygiene. To highlight the difficulty at present, to adequately staff and resource our public dentist service in Ireland we actually need 76 new dentists to be brought on board to get back to the level that we had 15 years ago.1,342 children and special care patients are on public dental surgery lists for procedures under general anesthetic at present and 9,354 people are on acute hospital lists for oral surgery and mixillo-facial surgery. In Ireland, primary school children should be having check ups in second, fourth, and sixth class; however, the strain in the system is so much that some children are not receiving the first of these 3 important dental checks until they are in their 4th year of secondary school. This is not acceptable. International guidelines actually suggest that children should have their first dental examination by their first birthday. In the Kenmare area we have been very well-served by excellent dentists in the past and at present. I have lobbied strenuously to ensure that better reimbursement be put in place for these dentists, and additional funds were made available in May, but these were woefully and totally inadequate in comparison to what they actually needed to receive. That is why it is virtually impossible in County Kerry at present for a medical card holder to avail of dental services especially and in particularly when they are coming new onto the system. I am lobbying the government at present to review the tax reliefs on the cost of Dental Care {MED 2 scheme}. Clinical care pathways must be established where specialist care is needed, and we have to have an immediate discussion on a scheme to replace the DTSS for medical card patients.

. Happy Christmas to all our customers

FOR CATARACT REMOVAL/HIP HEALY-RAE JOHNNY CONTACT 087 235 4793

Wishing all my friends & constituents a very Happy Christmas and healthy new year. Looking forward to working for you again in 2023.

CLLR.

E: michael.healyrae@oireachtas.ie

For the final talk for 2022 Kenmare and District Garden Club were delighted to have a return visit after several years of professional floral designer Camelia Austen. The full capacity audience were entranced and indeed mesmerised as Camelia effortlessly produced an array of delightful novel arrangements for the festive season, without using any holly or ivy. She spiralled flowers and foliage to give texture and movement to her lovely creations in a novel and sometimes whimsical way. Whether the audience will be able to replicate her ideas is another matter! The arrangements were then raffled at the end

of the demonstration, much to the delight of those attending, there was almost ‘one for everyone in the audience’. The evening concluded with a selection of inspiring photographs from her 2022 catalogue of weddings. The club were delighted to be joined by a group of ladies from Blackwater and hope they will pay a return visit when the talks and outings for 2023 are finalised and announced at the AGM in February. Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month unless otherwise specified at The Gateway (beyond the Centra Garage heading on the Molls Gap/Killarney road, opposite the Brooklane Hotel grounds). Parking is available. Non members are very welcome (small fee). Coffee and welcome at 6.45pm with talks at 7.30pm prompt. Contact Stephen Austen on 087 9112876 for further information.

Kenmare and District Garden Club

Marie Harrington, daughter of Danny and Eileen, Kilgarvan, and Ben O'Sullivan, son of Vicky O'Sullivan, Lauragh, who were married on Saturday October 29th in St Patrick's Church, Kilgarvan.

All smiles as Jack O'Connor and the Kerry Senior Team pay a visit to Blackwater Tavern with the Sam Maguire Cup. pics Mary D O’Neill

The students had a great time showing off their investigation skills during Science Week 2022, completing some brilliant experiments including erupting volcanoes and self inflating balloons.

Ms. Healy’s and Mr. Morley’s sixth classes had a terrific school trip to Dublin visiting Leinster house, the Dáil, and the Seanad where Senator and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Mark Daly really looked after them. They also visited the Jervis Centre, and must be commended for their excellent behaviour and manners throughout the trip. Many thanks to all the staff members who travelled with them.

St. John’s N.S. Kenmare

Free quotation when you quote Kenmare News

Kenmare Marketing and Events Group would like to wish all our members and the whole community of Kenmare a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you to our Volunteers, who have been busy lighting up the town to cheer us through the Winter season.

A special thanks goes out to RVR and Prosolar, who have made it possible for Kenmare to have a more sustainable Solar Christmas experience from this year onwards. This year RVR embarked on a project to power their premises in Kenmare with Solar panels to the front of the Building on the Sneem road. With the savings made from this initiative, RVR have generously donated their cost savings to Kenmare Marketing and Events Group to allow our town’s Christmas lights to be changed to a more sustainable and cost-effective LED system over time. RVR is a local family-owned business which trades internationally. They have been providing energy technology solutions and excellent employment opportunities in Kenmare since 1994. We can’t thank them enough for sponsoring our Christmas lights, which everyone can enjoy, and for helping us to do our bit towards a more sustainable future!

In other news you can stay up to date with the Christmas events and show your support by following the new Christmas in Kenmare Facebook and Instagram Pages.

out

Local author Sue Ryan pictured with family and friends at the Book Launch of her debut novel 'Pools of Blue' in the Carnegie Arts Centre last month.

The book sold

at the launch but is available in bookshops in Kenmare and can be ordered online from bookshops nationwide.

pic Mary D O'Neill

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and hope you all have a wonderful New Year ahead.

Well done to all who were involved in putting up the Christmas lights around the town as always they look fantastic. With some beautiful shops in our town please shop local if possible as it is important that we all support each other.

I would like to thank all those involved in the Social Farming group ran by South Kerry Partnership. If anyone would like to get involved in this rewarding group please contact me and I will put you in contact with the relevant people.

Congratulations to Kenmare Rowing Club on running a great table quiz.

Well done to Tousist GAA on organising a very enjoyable social and wishing them the very best on the development of their new field. Congratulations! Well done to Norman McCloskey and Sue Ryan on the publication of their books.

Motions

At a recent area meeting I again raised the issue of the Bonane Road and hopefully it will be upgraded in 2023. I have asked KCC to run an advertising campaign with regards public lights being out, if you notice any lights not working please take note of number on the pole and contact KCC on their website. I have asked KCC to apply for extra funding for maintenance work on all by roads.

O’Sullivan Coaching

Davey’s Charity Walk St Stephens Day from Blackwater Tavern to Loughbrin Lake in aid of Kerry Palliative Care Services. Nine kilometre road walk organized by Davy Breen with a barbeque at Loughbrin Lake. Starting at 11am sharp from Blackwater Tavern, €10 per person. After the walk Davey wants everyone to call into the Blackwater Tavern where there will be a raffle, music and sing ong.

Next meeting of Blackwater Women’s Group is Tuesday January 10th at 8pm in Tavern.

A 31 card game and raffle for support of the AEDs took place in Blackwater Tavern in November. €1,200 was raised, many thanks to all who played and supported it. There are 5 open access defibrillators in the Blackwater/Templenoe area.; Templenoe church and GAA Pitch, Dromore GAA Pitch, Blackwater Tavern and John Sheehan’s Direen. They are on (NAS) National Ambulance Service’s database; NAS can direct people to the nearest AED while they await an ambulance.

Group Singing with Mary Culloty O’Sullivan is postponed till late January / February.

Qigong Classes in Tavern (gentle exercise to music) with Bob Martin Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Changing Times covers the history of the Blackwater/Templenoe area and is a great archive of local history and a valuable reference source for future generations. Available in O’Neill’s Shop Blackwater and Quills Shop Kenmare. An ideal Christmas present!

Blackwater Women’s Group are affiliated to POBAL and can apply for free personal monitored alarms which enable older people to live securely in their homes with confidence and independence. Application forms and information leaflets are available in Blackwater Post Office.

Application forms for the text alert system are available in Blackwater Post Office.

Happy Christmas from

Claire

December 15th

at 8pm

Film: Downton Abbey A New Era. Please join us beforehand, at 7pm, for mulled wine and mince pies.

New Years Eve @ 2.30pm

Film: The Jungle Book (1967 Version)

Meet Mowgli, Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa, and Shere Khan and many characters from the jungle along with a host of instantly recognisible songs. Classic Disney family film for a New Years Eve afternoon. Organised by Sean Daly & Co Ltd Tickets €5

January 14th @ 8pm

The Year of The Hiker John B. Keane Hunters Moon Theatre Group

January 14th @ 8pm

Set in the mid 60’s it tells the story of the Hiker Lacey who 20 years earlier left his wife and children to take to the roads. Now he returns on the evening of his daughter’s wedding. Tickets €15

Tickets www.carnegieartscentrekenmare.ie or call the box office on 064 6648701

Christmas closing December 16th.

All the team at The Carnegie Arts Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2023.

The Pantry... a new arrival & looking after your belly & stockings this Christmas!

Very excited for our newest Irish Arrival! From County Clare, a raw - mineralizing & medicinal toothpaste made using 90% organic ingredients that are edible, gluten free, cruelty free & 100% plastic free. With 'Dragon's Blood', liquid Magnesium chloride & cold pressed olive oil rich in omegas & oil-pulling power. Free of all toxins, Tooth Faerie is made in wooden bowls, using bamboo and acasia wood utensils, packed in glass. Zero waste & carbon neutral. Wow!!

Some gorgeous St Eval candles from Cornwall in festive Winter Thyme & Orange & Cinnamonn. Our own Seavite comes in a beautiful blue glass jar with gold lid & Dipams 100% Beeswax come in big & small pillars and the dinner candles perfect for the dinner table for the natural candle lover!

Kinvara & The Dublin Herbalist have great gift sets - the Beautiful You 3 piece set includes 3 full size of Kinvara's most popular items; their award-winning Eye Serum, Absolute Cleansing oil & 24 Hr Rosehip Face Serum. Their Feel Good Facial has the same with their Active Rosehip Day Cream & comes in a cute bag! Precious Moments is an ideal package for dedicated Kinvara Skincare fans containing their Precious Facial oil (enriched with Bakuchiol which is a plant based alternative to Retinol) along with a luxuriously soft satin eye mask... a gorgeous gift, perfect for someone who loves a relaxing night time routine! Dublin Herbalists divine Body Oil is a hit along with their luxurious handwash, hand lotion, body butters & hand creams... all come in unique and yummy scents, beautifully packaged & presented!

B&B Jumpers

These Tisserand roll on essential oil blends are very popular! Infused with expertly blended pure essential oils, these slow-release, travel-friendly roller balls can help to enhance your mood throughout the day and night. Gorgeous gift idea or stocking filler!

We have stocked up on the delicious Booja Booja - big boxes & small in festive flavours including the new Honeycomb Caramel! Great for after dinner or a gift for the organic vegan, gluten free chocolate lover!

L

Thank you kindly for your support in 2022. Wishing you a very fun &, peaceful Christmas & best wishes for the New Year! - Hugo

Tuosist GAA celebrated its 50th anniversary last month with a dinner dance in The Kenmare Bay Hotel. The committee, pictured with special guests Mickey Ned O'Sullivan and Kerry County Board Chairperson Patrick O'Sullivan, also had the pleasure of a visit from Kerry Senior Footballer Tadhg Morley and the Sam Maguire trophy. On the night they presented County Board medals to their Senior team that won Division 6B of the County League last year as well as naming their Team of the Half Century. A special presentation was also made to Kerry Ladies Senior Footballer Julie O'Sullivan in recognition of her success this year. A bumper raffle was held with amazing prizes, thanks to their prize sponsors, music was provided by Uí Bhriain, and photographer Mary O'Leary documented the night. There are exciting times ahead for the club with the launch of the plans for the new Community Complex and they look forward to what the next 50 years will bring for the club.

It has been a busy few months for Begley & Bowie. Most recently Doireann was delighted to have been awarded the 2022 IDI ‘Rising Star’ Award by the Institute Of Designers Ireland at the Marker Hotel in Dublin. The IDI is the largest and oldest association of design professionals in Ireland. Doireann won for her design work this year for both Adare Manor Hotel and Dromoland Castle Hotel. For the former Doireann designed a range of merchandise for adults and children. The children’s range was based on a sculpture on the grounds of Adare Manor named Teidí which was designed by one of Ireland’s most renowned sculptors, Patrick O’ Reilly, and at 4.5 m in height, it is the largest figurative bronze sculpture ever made in Ireland. For the latter, Doireann designed a range of merchandise in time for the Ladies Irish Open at Dromoland Castle, with one range based on the magnificent castle building itself and another range based on the colourful history of Dromoland Castle which has links to Brian Boru.

In November Doireann was also nominated by VIP Magazine for a ‘Creative Award’ with the awards ceremony also taking place at the Marker Hotel in Dublin. Last month Begley & Bowie also launched at the National Gallery Of Ireland. Doireann was thrilled to have been approached to collaborate with the National Gallery and designed a range based on Dublin’s history and culture with a nod to the National Gallery itself. The launch night was great fun

Congratulations to Kerry’s own ‘Kingdom Kid’ Liam Walsh on continuing his unbeaten record after a fantastic 4th round knockout win in the National Stadium, Dublin. Many thanks to local sponsor St Joseph’s Nursing Home for their support.

Timmy Clifford and Tadhg Morley, along with the Sam Maguire Cup, attended the Roger Casements GAA Dinner Dance in Birmingham as the club presented medals after winning the Warwickshire County Championship for the first time since 2003. Tim Clifford senior played with the club in the 1970's and was the first ever winning captain of Roger Casements GAA Club in 1978. Eamon Boyle, the father of Kieran Boyle, and Paddy Brown, both pictured, also played on the 1978 team.

with music, gallery tours, artist and designer talks and more. Doireann has since launched slogan sweatshirts and her rainbow collection at the Gallery Shop.

December has been hectic as Begley & Bowie have had several pop-up shops from Ballymaloe to Dublin. All at Begley & Bowie would like to thank everyone for their support this year and to wish all our customers a happy Christmas and New Year.

The Annual Christmas Day Swim in

of

Mental Health Association, Kenmare Branch, takes place at Kenmare Pier on Christmas Day at 11am organised by Kieran O'Shea Bonane. All money raised goes towards supporting clients of KMHA; supporting various social events, classes and activities for clients at Fiachne Day Centre Kenmare and clients in the community, who are given hampers and vouchers, as requested by the local Community Mental Health Nurse.

The annual GOAL MILE will be held from Kenmare Shamrocks GAA pitch on Christmas Day between 10am and 12 noon. All welcome.

This is the 40th anniversary of the GOAL MILE so please come out and support this worthy cause. All proceeds go to GOAL and a local charity. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Martin Cronin and Michael Randles, Chair Kenmare Mental Health Association, and swimmers at previous Christmas Day swims.

aid

Kerry

Golf

Golf in Kenmare

in

Kenmare Update – Dec 2022

Kenmare GC Update Happy Christmas

We’d like to wish everybody in Kenmare a Happy Christmas and wish them all the best for 2022. It’s been a great year for golf and for Kenmare GC, and we look forward to welcoming everyone again in 2023.

Club news

Kenmare Golf Club has been awarded the “Best Hidden Gem for Munster” award at this year’s Golfer’s Guide to Ireland awards, picking up the award from Paddy McCarthy from the Golfer’s guide at an event in Carton House on Monday Dec 5 th which was attended by Minister Jack Chambers and MC’d by Greg Allen. This is a great award to win, and is recognition for the work completed on the clubhouse and course in 2022. (Picture attached shows Club Chairman Bernard Hourihan picking up the Award on Monday).

Christmas Golf at Kenmare GC

We’ll be running normal competitions for members on the weekend of 16th to 18th, and then having a multi-day competition running from the 26 th right through to the 31 st . This will be open to visitors, exact format to be decided as weather (first rain and now frost) is a factor. Members can keep an eye on their club communications, and for visitors information will be posted on the club social media pages on Christmas week. The highlight of the holiday season will be the Officers Drive In on New Year’s Day, where we thank our 2022 Officers for their work and celebrate the new year with our 2023 team. Full details will be posted on social media.

Results: Week Ending Dec 4th

Men’s Christmas Hamper sponsored by Mary and Jimmy Duggan

1st Bosco MacGearailt (13) - 37 points

2nd Colin Coady (10) - 36 points (OCB)

Best Gross John Duggan (3) – 27

Hyde Whiskey Winter Eclectic Overall winners:

Stableford: 1st John Barry (15) 44Pts 2nd Sean Daly (Killarney) (19) 44Pts on countback (Day 3 score

Gross: 1st Sean Twomey (10) 4 under par after 3 rounds.

2nd Robin Clifford (4) 4 under par after 3 rounds. Congrats to Sean Twomey who finished birdie, birdie on 17 and 18 to win on countback (day 3 gross points).

The Topline McCarthys GOTY was won by Noreen Crowley. With an exciting tiebreaker playoff with Angela Brosnan. The Singles Club Championship was won by Nora May Harrington against a very tough opponent Marie Kissane.

The Doubles Club Championship was won by Noreen Crowley and Anne Clifford.Hard fought against an excellent team Kathleen O’Shea and Grainne Crowley.

Men’s Hyde Whiskey Winter Eclectic Round 2 Best Stableford Tim Twomey (17) - 39 points Best Gross - Kevin Lynch (8) - 27 points

Autumn Gold Thursday 17th Winner David O’Dwyer 20pts

Week ending 13/11/2022 at Kenmare Golf Club.

Hyde Irish Whiskey 2-Person scramble (13/11/2022)

1st - Patrick Crushell/Bertie McSwiney Jnr. (10) - 21 (OCB)

2nd - John Barry/Paul Sutton (8) - 21 (OCB) 3rd - John Barry/Bosco MacGearailt (8) - 21 Best Gross Phillip Duggan/Conor Cronin (2) – 27

Ladies Two Person Texas Scramble Anne Murphy/Kathy Kelleher 19. Nett

Ladies

Results:

1st: Nora May Harrington (30) 31pts

2nd: Annemarie Cleary (54) 30pts ocb

3rd: Phil Coffey (50) (30pts)

Week Ending 20/11/2022

Ladies: Results of Captain Kathleen’s first comp

1st Noreen Crowley (19) 32 points

2nd Clara Brosnan (17) 30pts ocb

3rd Colette Bradshaw (14) 30 points

Winner of the ladies Birdie Tree comp was Angela Brosnan with 13 Birdies

Autumn Gold Thursday 1st Dec, Winner Danny Long 20Pts

Mini Christmas Hamper sponsored by Patsy Miles

Inter Kenmare are holding special Christmas draws to say a BIG thank you to everyone who is supporting their club lotto. Every line in their lotto on December 15th will automatically have a free chance to win in 2 draws; the club draw with a chance to win the jackpot and weekly prize, and the national draw with the chance to win one of five incredible prizes. All fundraising groups with a ‘Fundraiser Lotto’ have a chance to win one of these prizes. In addition to the above draw, those who are signed up to play are in with a chance to win our local special draw on January 26th. Beat the Winter blues and be in with a chance to win a holiday voucher worth €1000!

Thank you so much for your support, you are making a real difference. Please spread the word with family and friends to join in. https://www.ourgrassroots.ie/club/interkenmare

The winter months are the busiest times of the year for the St Vincent de Paul Society as they provide hampers, fuel, basic clothing and financial assistance to people in need, offering practical help and advice all in the strictest confidence.

You can help by donating to the SVDP box in SuperValu, through AIB Kenmare IBAN IEAIBK9363244003186 or by post to The Treasurer St Vincent De Paul Kenmare.If you need help please contact Kenmare St Vincent de Paul at 087-6805264.

Donate directly, what you can, to help people in your community through your local SVP Conference fundraising page at www.svp.ie/holycrosskenmare 100% of all money raised goes straight to people who are struggling with impossible choices this Christmas in your area.

2022 was a busy year for the Kenmare Triathlon Club with athletes of all levels representing the club at a number of key events both locally and internationally. Brenda and Tracey Baker and Norene Browne Dwyer debuted at the Tralee Club Try-a-Tri event in July (200m swim, 13km cycle and 3.5km run) and on September 17th, Tracey Baker and Carmel Crowley did their first Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run) in the newly inaugurated Cromane Sprint Triathlon. From such beginnings, emerged our more experienced athletes. On September 2nd Rachel Hawker was third woman in the Lost Sheep Triathlon (Half Iron Man distance 1.9Km swim, 83km cycle and 13.2 run), James Mulchrone also completed the Lost Sheep Triathlon, but not before participating in the full Iron Man Youghal on August 14th, while Robert White's second place (age group) at the Youghal Half Iron Man on August 13th saw him qualify for the 70.3 Iron Man World Championships in Finland in 2023. He also competed in IM 70.3 World Championship in St George, Utah on October 29th. Ellen Vitting also brought glory to the Club with her wins at the Quest Kenmare Expert Route (79km on bike, foot and kayak) in March and at the Kerry Way Ultramarathon on September 3rd. Ellen completed the hilly 200km in just over 27 hours, a week after she had completed the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc (100km, at altitude). She also came out tops in RTE’s gruelling ‘Ultimate Hell Week’. The Club was also well represented in Quest Kenmare, Ride Dingle, Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry, The Rebel Tour, Tour de Beara and Velo Kenmare. In addition the club also organised training events including Swim Across the Bay in July, Roughty Bridge to Kenmare Pier Swim in August, The Five Ducks in September and Night Phosphorescent Swim Coss Strand also September. During the off season we keep fit with a series of turbo spinning classes and, at the Kenmare Bay Leisure Club, a set of improver classes for all swimmers. Of course, safety is paramount. In January, club members attended the Swim Ireland webinar and this was followed in April with in-person instruction for those new to open water swimming with Monika. Meanwhile, the Club boasts two Technical Officials Gerry Mc Carthy and Jane O'Brien and we were particularly proud of Jane's role as TO in the July Commonwealth games in Birmingham.

Sociability and community are at the heart of the Club. Goals and races are selected individually, based on levels of fitness and time commitment, but usually there are a few people aiming for the same event. The WhatsApp groups have proven an effective means of motivating athletes to get out, whether for a Sunday morning cycle to Sneem and back or a post-work swim at Templenoe Pier. This year we saw several members extend their times and distance in the open water and on the bike. Like any sporting club, we are grateful to our family and friends and to those who provide support by kayaking, boating or driving people to start points, and we like to thank them with the occasional post-swim cook out or picnic. High on the endorphins of a long swim, the craic is mighty!

Kenmare Triathlon Club is a member of the Irish Triathlon Association, bringing the added benefit of support classes, seminars, and training at all levels. We are keen to welcome new members. To join the Kenmare Triathlon Club contact the Club Chairperson suzanneteahan@gmail.com.