Kenmare News

• Long & Short term, Convalescence & Respite Care

No restrictions on visiting hours 24 hr Nursing Care

Fair Deal approved

Killaha East, Kenmare. 064 6641315/087 9371588

email: kenmarenursinghome@gmail.com www.kenmarenursinghome

We were all sorry to hear about the passing of Alexandra Lynn-Bias, better known to all as Sandra.

A Kenmare resident for twenty years, Sandra was married to Liam who sadly died more than 16 years ago, and was well loved in the community. She will be remembered for many things, notably her colourful spirit and her work with Pink Ribbon, especially in 2014 when she helped arrange the Kenmare walk and raised over €30,000.

A mass to celebrate her life will take place at Holy Cross Church, Kenmare, on Monday March 20th at 10am followed by burial at Templenoe new cemetery, and lunch and drinks at Brook Lane Hotel. In her memory a collection for the Irish Cancer Society (Pink Ribbon) will take place in lieu of flowers.

Sale & repair of phones, laptops, tablets and iPads. Wide range of gaming and phone accessories available. Phone, car & wireless chargers available. Headphones & speakers.

Kenmare Shopping Centre (Opposite SuperValu)

064 6640983

Open Monday - Saturday 10.30am to 6.30pm

The wedding of Cora O’Farrell, Kenmare, and Eoghan O’Mahony, Cork, took place in Holy Cross Church recently with the reception held in Kenmare Bay Hotel. The happy couple are pictured with Cora's parents Mary and James. pic Mary D O'Neill

Only one more week until ‘American Bombshell’, written by Kenmare resident David King, is published. This is David’s first novel and is based on the early life of his mother who married an American Bomber Pilot. With some unusual plot twists, this exciting book is a story of love, lies, taboo liaisons and high psychological drama - a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of a country at war.

American Bombshell will be available from Kenmare Bookshop from March 22nd and David will be signing books there on Friday March 24th between 2-4pm.

Maison Gourmet is dedicated to serve you traditional French foods & pastries while providing a great customer service.

We offer sweet and savories for breakfast and lunch, as well as desserts, pastries, sandwiches, salads, take-away dishes and more. We also serve a variety of beverages, which include organic coffee, tea, sodas and hot drinks.

Our coffee shop welcomes you for a great lunch or breakfast in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something freshly-baked and homemade, you’ve come to the right place.

À bientôt!

Colin O’Reilly, Bonane, who graduated in Carpentry and Joinery from Tralee Institute of Technology.

Local excellence recognised at 2023 Irish Restaurant Awards!

Local restaurants, hotels and cafes swept the boards at the Munster regional final of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2023, receiving awards in nearly every category! With almost 700 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff in attendance their hard work and achievements was honoured as they took home prestigious awards in many categories.

Best wine experience was granted to the wonderful Falls Restaurant at Sheen Falls Lodge while Neil Hynes at Number 35 came home named best restaurant manager. The Peregrine at the Killarney Park Hotel scooped best hotel and guesthouse restaurant whilst Lagom was crowned best newcomer, with Helen’s Bar taking the accolade of Kerry pub of the year. Best world cuisine was taken by our own Lily House with Bean and Batch coming home named best Kerry café.

All of the county winners now compete for the regional and all Ireland titles which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards All Ireland Final in May.

Muintir Na Tire text alert system and the new Cairde app

The text alert service has been in operation in Kerry for many years and is proving very effective by having real time messages about suspicious activity sent out via text by Gardai to community alert groups. Registered text alert members with smart phones can now download the Cairde App, this can alert the neighbours or emergency services if activated by pressing the red button. If you have an accident on the farm or are in danger this app will summon help by notifying your selected contacts that you need help, they will be given your exact location on google maps. This technology is a free of charge to all registered members of text alert groups. With this app you can also send out a message about antisocial behaviour, missing persons or pets, livestock on the road, suspicious behaviour, the annual clean up or share a podcast on crime prevention. You can also log all your property in the app, serial numbers, pictures etc. The cost of participating in the service will be €10 per mobile to register. Please insert the telephone number of Kenmare Garda Station 064-6641177 in your phone, if you see something suspicious ring Gardaí with the information, if appropriate Gardai will arrange for a text alert to be sent out.

To register contact your local community text alert group.

A cheque for €8,200 was presented to Kenmare Community Nursing Unit recently with the intention of 'making life more comfortable (if necessary and when necessary) for every resident and staff member in the Kenmare Community Nursing Unit’ from the family of the late Mamie O’Connor, Lacca, Greenane Kenmare and Gearhameen, Black Valley. Her family are very grateful for the six happy years that Mamie spent in the loving and professional care of the doctor and staff there.

Have you seen the fabulous range of 'made near here' products at BrookLane Hotel? They have something for everyone and are delighted to showcase and support local talent! Pop in and support our wonderful local makers.

Table for three please! Maison Gourmet proudly displaying some of the many food guides they are in. Opening

064 66 42233 / 086 3131655 We look forward to seeing you!

A stunningly elaborate collection of artworks by over forty young artists of the Canvas Club Kenmare and Kilgarvan launched last weekend and is on display for the month of March at the Carnegie Arts Centre An exciting display of original artworks, made up of colourful acrylics on canvas and creatively sombre inks and manga on deckle edge paper. Dragons and monsters of the deep share the space with original characters, lush forests, and great waves , making this an exhibition not to be missed! These very accomplished pieces have been completed in class by children aged from five to seventeen, and taught by artists Tara McCarthy and Mary Fairbairn.

The 7th of March marked the 175th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish flag by its creator Thomas F. Meagher. In 2013 Reverand Cavangh and I founded the Thomas F. Meagher foundation which has an original committee that includes Mickey Ned O Sullivan, Dermot Healy and Eoin Brosnan. On the 6th of March at the invitation of the Foundation, the Taoiseach was presented with an irish flag, in front of 1500 students from all over the country. The flag had been flown from 33 the mall, Waterford where Thomas F. Meagher had flown the flag for the first time. His descendent Tom Meagher from Kenmare along with Aisling Rochford a trustee of the Foundation presented this flag to the Taoiseach. The foundations aim is to

promote pride in and respect for the Irish flag and its meaning for peace. The Foundation is grateful for the support of its partners An Post, CIE and the Irish Independent with whom they supply a 24 page supplement

for the junior cycle in conjunction with the history teachers association. The foundation also gives Irish flags, made in Ireland, to all secondary school in advance of St Patrick Day and encourages them to celebrate the Irish flag and all the flag of student from different back rounds in there school community.

Need assistance with your passport for essential travel?

If you need to travel and need assistance with your passport, please feel free to contact my office on 01 618 3830 or email me at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie

Assistance for those in mortgage difficulty

I have a team of accountants and legal advisers who are willing to help with any mortgage or debt difficulties so please do not hesitate to contact my office on 01 618 3830 or email me at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie

Advice Clinics

If you need assistance or information on any issue please do not hesitation to contact me for a clinic appointment. Call my mobile on 086 803 2612 or email me at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie and I will do my best to help.

Is mise le meas,

Senator Mark Daly

An Seanadóir Marcus O Dalaigh

March 17th, 18th & 19th (Fri - Sun) 24th, 25th & 26th (Fri-Sun)

April

Saturday 1st to Mon 3rd

Thursday 6th to Monday 17th

Closed Tues 4th & Wed 5th

With Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defense, as he lays a wreath at the site where 8 Irish men were killed on the darkest days of our Civil War 100 years ago.

With other relatives of Commandant General Charlie Daly to Lay a wreath at the monument in Drumboe, Donegal to remember the executions of Charlie Daly(26), Daniel Enright(23), Timothy O'Sullivan(23), Sean Larkin(26) 100 years ago

Tom Meagher, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Aisling Rochford

Reverand Cavanagh, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Aida-De-Camp, Mark Daly

High school Musical was a fantastic display of all the talent in Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine and great credit is due to Principal Dermot Healy, all the students and staff for a great performance.

Well done to Caragh, Jessie, Emer, Abbie, Ailbhe, Sophie, Tadgh, Will and Sebastian who represented Kenmare in the Community Games County Finals bringing home lots of medals!

There was great excitement in Kilgarvan national school when some of the Kilgarvan senior team paid a visit to the school, receiving a huge welcome from the staff and pupils. The players were congratulated on their many wins, the most recent being the Junior B Munster football final in Knockaderry, and were delighted to be back in their old school where they would have kicked many a football in the school yard!

Cllr Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen

Cathaoirleach Kenmare Municipal District Commissioner for Oaths

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

pconnorscarteen@gmail.com

Monthly motions

1. What measures have KCC taken to improve and provide further safety, access, parking and public conveniences at and on the approach to our beaches, piers and public amenities?

2. That KCC please call upon TII to resurface sections of the N71 Bonane road, Kenmare. Parts of the road are in a shocking state.

Kenmare draft Local Area Plan

Kerry County Councils draft Local Area Plan for the Kenmare area is due to be published shortly, please keep an eye out in the local media and on www.kerrycoco.ie

If anyone has any questions or suggestions feel free to contact me.

Community Enhancement Programme

The Community Enhancement Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Community Enhancement Programme was launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD with funding of €10 million announced to assist local community and voluntary groups. The allocation for Kerry is €312,672 (including administration).

Kerry County Council and Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invite applications for funding under the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Community Enhancement Programme.

The Community Enhancement Programme will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas with their non-pay running and operating costs. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and to purchase equipment Funding and the Guidelines are available on the following link: https://www.kerrycoco.ie/community-enhancement-programme/The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 31st March 2023.

March 11th was the first big event of the year and saw 1,500 people come to town to test their fitness and athleticism by taking part in Quest Kenmare Adventure series. Shoulder season events like Quest, bring a welcome vibrancy to the town as we build towards the summer tourist season and thanks to Oliver and his team at Elite Management for once again bringing a world class event to Kenmare.

During this year KMEG will host, oversee, or collaborate with our community, and event partners to bring the following events to town, with more to be announced.

May - Ring of Beara Cycle

July - Kenmare Arts Festival (Organised by Mill Cove Gallery)

July/Aug - Scene on the Green Community Festival

Oct - Velo

Sept - Lost Sheep Triathlon

Sept - The Kerry Way Ultra Marathon 200km (via Kenmare)

Oct - Halloween Howl

Dec - Christmas Festivities & Parade

Scene on the Green

Once again, The Square will be buzzing with events under our made to measure tent and this year the theme is community.

KMEG will team up with local theatre and community groups, musicians, mindfulness and fitness coaches to provide great fun and entertainment for locals and visitors alike. The festival will run from mid-July to mid-August with exact dates to be announced later.

Would you like to take part? Do you have an act, demonstration or show ready to share with your community? If so let us know, we would love to her from you with your ideas!

Email marketing@kenmare.ie with an outline of your idea or proposal and we will get back to you.

Kenmare Medical Centre

Patrick

In the early part of the twentieth century, the Lyne family of Eskadour encounter several challenges that threaten their survival. Though most of the children in the family are young, they bravely man a farm and battle members of the British forces. Despite overwhelming odds, they overcome their obstacles and optimistically move forward but when additional difficulties come their way it is John, the sixth of their twelve children, who remains focused on his dream of living in America to find his fortune. Meanwhile in Cavan, seventeen-year-old Sheila McGovern is also contemplating her future. As she leaves Ireland bound for England, she cannot help but wonder if England is the answer, even though her supportive brother lives nearby. Years later after she finally decides to join her sisters in New York, she encounters John at an Irish dance and they quickly fall in love. As fate steps in, now only time will tell if they can fulfill all their dreams of a brighter future in America.

'A struggle for the Irish American dream’, written by Diane Lyne Gasparrini, shares an in-depth look at life in Ireland at the beginning of the twentieth century and is available on Amazon.

The March meeting was held in the Gateway Kenmare and the club welcomed Mary Katherine Gallagher, an environmental scientist working with Wetland Survey Ireland, a professional environmental consultancy specialising in ecology who came to talk about ‘Understanding and caring for the hidden wonder of the insect life in our gardens’. The talk, delivered with youthful enthusiasm and good illustrations, was wide ranging and highly comprehensive and taught us that a huge number of species of insects form an amazing 80% of world species. They make up more than 70 times the human population and have been around considerably longer than human species. Indeed, they form the biological foundation of the natural world and hence it is of the utmost importance to provide a healthy, diverse ecosystem to support them– if they vanish, so do we! Unfortunately, species are hugely threatened due to huge habitat loss through pesticides, agriculture, urbanisation, all human driven and society needs to improve its behaviour to maintain vital ecosystems, and gardeners need to play their part. We gardeners are quite pleased about this – less weeding, less tidying – it suits us, the insects and the environment, what’s not to like!

Next meeting is on Wednesday April 5th when Mary Keenan editor of Irish Garden Magazine and Gash Gardens gives a talk ‘From blank canvas to colourful gardens’.

Meetings usually take place on the first Thursday of the month, unless otherwise specified, at The Gateway (beyond Centra Garage on the Molls Gap/Killarney road, opposite the Brooklane Hotel grounds). Parking available. Non-members are very welcome for a small fee. Contact Stephen Austen on 087 9112876 for further information if you are interested in becoming a member.

Kenmare and District Garden Club

23rd March 8pm - Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (15) Winner of seven Oscars, including Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. With her laundromat teetering on the brink of failure and her marriage on the rocks, overworked Evelyn Wang struggles to cope with everything, including an unpleasant audit from Revenue. The stress causes a shift in her sense of reality as she is propelled into a kaleidoscope of parallel realities, in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with different lives she could have had.

30th March 8pm - The Worst Person in the World (15)

This film is in Norwegian, with English subtitles. This romantic comedy chronicles four years in the life of Julie, a young woman as she navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find a career path, leading her to take a realistic look at who she really is. Nominated for two Academy Awards.

6th April 8pm - The Banshees of Inisherin (15)

Length: 114 minutes Rating: 15

Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, this film follows lifelong friends Padraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. Padraic's repeated efforts to salvage their relationship only strengthen his former friend's resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate with shocking consequences.

13th April 2023 - Film club End of Season Double Bill!

An Irish Goodbye (12) and An Cailin ciuin (The quiet girl) (12a)

Wednesday March 22nd 7.30pm An evening with Fr. McVerry

The Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage. Everyone welcome.

March 24th - 27th 8pm I do not like thee Dr. Fell

Carnegie Players are proud to present this comedy-drama of six people gathered in a locked room overnight for ‘Encounter Therapy’ that promises to excavate, and therefore improve, their lives. Tickets €15 from www.carnegieartskenmare.ie or on 064 66 48701.

Tuesday April 11th 8pm Seven letters

A poignant story of three spirited women whose circumstances have brought them together to live out their days in a care home. This play is a reminder that each older person was indeed once young and vibrant with their own hopes and dreams. It will make you laugh and make you cry.

Tickets €15 from www.carnegieartskenmare.ie or on 064 66 48701.

Self Catering

I am totally opposed to the fact that correspondence is now being sent out which are actually enforcement notices to Air b & b and other self catering property owners in our regions. It is amazing that other Public Representatives from Co Kerry are not opposing this measure. Small time rural operators are only trying to make a living. We would expect that our Local Authorities should act and support local but unfortunately they are carrying out the will of National Politicians who seem to have no understanding of what it is to make a living. These operators were keeping small businesses going in Rural Tourism. People are being threatened with legal court cases because of taking tourists into their homes. This is absolute madness, it is a sad day when making a living is actually proven to be illegal. I have vigoursly opposed this measure at every opportunity and highlighted how wrong it was.

Kenmare Fire Station

Our excellent personnel working in Kenmare Fire Station do great work in the greater Kenmare area giving a 24 hour a day 7 day a week emergency service to deal with events as they happen. It is my firm belief that the construction of the new fire station is of paramount importance. I recently raised this in the Dail with the Minister for Local Government. There is at present a fire service capital programme for the period of 2021-2025 and despite the massive amount of funding that is available in that scheme which will see six new fire stations built and others progressed, unfortunately Kenmare is not in that list. Kerry County Council has previously indicated that the replacement of a fire station is a priority but this project is not currently included in the Minister’s Department’s construction programme. These will be reassessed on an annual basis and I will work closely to ensure that the Healy Rae County Councillors will pursue this matter to ensure it is a priority and I will continue to highlight this at a National Level.

Cataracts

In a recent Question in the Dail I was informed that here in Kerry we have over 800 ppl wating to be seen by a consultant regarding a cataract and what is worse is that the waiting time is 4 years just to see the consultant and a further 2 years to actually have the cataract removed, this just seems like a third world reply but sadly it is a factual fact

So 6 years to have a cataract removed and this is why I continue to take people to Belfast on a monthly basis where the wait time is 6 weeks not 6 years

If you have a cataract then you are one of these statistics of 800 people and if you call me or my office I can have you seen in Belfast by the end of April and home with your cataract removed so don’t go blind waiting for this Government to help you

NCT Service

At present there is an extraordinary long waiting lists for a number of vital services such as testing a car and also doing driving tests. These are issues that I am raising in the Dail. Whatever resources are required to deal with these back logs will have to be looked at to ensure people can avail of these vital public services as soon as they need them.

Medical cards

From 1 April 2023, eligibility will be extended to people who earn the median household income of €46,000 or less. It will be adjusted for people living alone and for those with children. Operational details will be made available prior to the commencement of the income-based expansion. It is envisaged that these measures will

be supported by a significant package of additional capacity supports to GP practices so once I have further information on the matter I will share it

Residential Zoned Land Tax

As everybody knows in the Kenmare area construction is at a stand still until extra capacity is made available in our current system. And the new land tax on developing land is not actually applicable to Kenmare in the time being but in the future it will be and it will certainly be of concern to people at that stage. I raised this matter in the Dáil on the 7th of March with the Taoiseach asking that an exemption be made for people who are farming land on the edges of towns and while it might be suitable for development if they don’t want to develop it and they do not want to build houses on their land they should not have to pay a tax to carry on their practice of farming this is only common sense and it is only right and proper and I will continue to pursue this matter.

Fuel Allowance

There has been a lot of confusion regarding fuel allowance in the recent months as the budget announced in Oct changes to the income limit but they did not introduce the change until January so if you applied following on from the budget and was refused you should look at the below income details and apply again if you are below the threshold

Over 70s You can have income of up to €500 per week, or €1000 per week for a couple and still qualify for Fuel Allowance. The current weekly rate of Fuel Allowance is €33.

Under 70-The assessable income limit for a single person is €465.30 (€200 plus €265.30).

The assessable income limit for a couple (where the qualified adult is aged under 66) is €642 (€200 plus €265.30 plus €176.70). The assessable income limit for a couple (where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over and under 70) is €703.10 (€200 plus €265.30 plus €237.80).

General Footcare

Corns, Ingrown toenails, Thickened nails.

Removal of hard skin, Callus, Cracked heels.

Claire O’Sullivan Coaching

Kenmare Churches Together

Kenmare Churches Holy Week and Easter Services for Everybody

“Here is love”*

Three simple words that say so much- unconditional love for all found in the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Everyone is invited to the Kenmare Churches Holy Week and Easter Services.

Friday 31st March

GATEWAY METHODIST CHURCH (V93 T9XT - opposite Brook Lane Hotel)

Easter Messy Church: story, songs, games, arts and crafts For families with children primary school or younger (must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Holy Thursday 6th April

GATEWAY METHODIST CHURCH

7pm Maundy Thursday Service

HOLY CROSS CHURCH

7.30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration at the Altar of Repose

Good Friday 7th April

HOLY CROSS CHURCH

3 & 7pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Stations of the Cross

ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 3pm Around the Cross

Holy Saturday 8th April

HOLY CROSS CHURCH

9pm Easter Vigil Mass with blessing of Paschal Fire

Easter Sunday 14th April

HOLY CROSS CHURCH 9am & 12noon

Masses for the People of the Parish

GATEWAY METHODIST CHURCH

11am Easter Praise

ST PATRICK’S 12noon Easter Communion

Grace and love, like mighty rivers, Poured incessant from above, And heaven’s peace and perfect justice. kissed a guilty world in love.* (Robert Lowry (1826-99))

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

Michael O'Brien was recently honoured for his service to the Credit Union, included are John Long, Joy Clifford-Vaughan, Chairperson Killarney Credit Union, and Elaine O'Riordan.

Another success for Kenmare Butter Market last weekend with the opening of ‘Equinox’, make sure you don't miss out on this beautiful, colourful exhibition curated by Claire Bunbury.

Congratulations to all the boys and girls from Realt Na Mara and Lauragh Schools who were confirmed earlier this month by Bishop Ray Browne. pic Mary O’Leary

Great to see the wonderful beer brewed locally by Aileen and Bill at Tom Crean Brewery now available at The Park Hotel and Davitts.

Congratulations to our Community Games winners in the U15 futsal, and our U13 girls indoor soccer team who are County champions.

St. John’s N.S. Kenmare

Congratulations to the boys and girls from second class who made their First Confession in Holy Cross Church.

Seachtain na Gaeilge. Comhghairdeas Gaelgoirí an Lae bhí na paistí seo ag caint ar an t-idircom i rith na seachtaine.

Ms. Downing’s senior infants had a great time making rice krispie buns.

Visiting Rockpools. Recently we went on a whole-school trip down to our nearest pier. While being down there we noted a few rockpools. The following week, 1st - 6th class returned to further explore the site. Using identification charts and checklists, we noted and sketched what we could see in the rockpools. Among many creatures we noted plankton, crab shells, sea anemones – plus lots and lots of seaweed!

Green Schools. Last month in Tahilla CNS we elected our green schools committee members. One of the new responsibilities of the members’ included a meeting with a visiting green schools expert to talk all about the environment. We took Dave outside to see the school's glass house, compost system, and our recycled paper station. He was certainly impressed about what we already knew about our amazing environment!

Enrolment is now open for the 2023-24 school year. Please contact the school for further enquiries at info@tahillacns.ie.

Sea Synergy. Our school recently enjoyed an amazing visit from Sea Synergy. Eoin and Natasha talked us through all the amazing facts about the deep sea and the animals that live there. At the end of the day, we discussed the project on sea creatures and ocean depth we would investigate. Last Friday, Eoin returned to take a look at our projects and no doubt he was impressed! Later in the day we did some interesting experiments. We examined the insulating effects of blubber in the freezing ocean waters (using butter!). Speaking for the whole class, we for sure enjoyed that day.

I would like to wish Carnegie Arts the best of luck in their productions for the year ahead. We are so lucky to have such a great facility and such talented people in our locality willing to give their time.

We are all looking forward to another wonderful St Patricks Day, hopefully everyone will have a great weekend and I wish Sneem every good wish with their very successful parade.

I would like to congratulate all the students who made their Confirmation at Kenmare and Lauragh Church this month I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and hope the Easter Bunny comes to all the children in our community.

Well done to the Inbhear Sceine Geals on running a fantastic table quiz, a great night was had by all.

Well done to all the participants and organisers for another successful Quest 23.

I have successfully secured that the Lauragh Road to the County Bounds will now be gritted in bad weather conditions.

Blackwater News

Next meeting of Blackwater Women’s Group is Tuesday April 11th at 8pm in Blackwater Tavern. The group was formed in February 2002 and are celebrating their 21st anniversary this year and still going strong.

Qigong Classes (gentle exercise to music) in Tavern take place every Wednesday evening at the earlier time of 6.30pm to 7.30pm with Bob Martin. All Welcome, no charge.

Seniors alert alarm scheme

Blackwater Womens 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 O’Neill’s Shop Blackwater. Monitoring is free for the first 12 months.

Application forms for the text alert system are available in O’Neill’s Shop Blackwater. Membership is €10, full information on the new app is on page 6.

There are five open access defibrillators in the area and all on (NAS) National Ambulance Service’s database; Templenoe church, Templenoe GAA pitch, Dromore GAA pitch, Blackwater Tavern and John Sheehans Direen.

‘Changing Times’ Blackwater/Templenoe social history book covers the social history of the area and is available in O’Neill’s Shop Blackwater & Quills Shop Kenmare.

The Blackwater Drama group are currently rehearsing their latest original play ‘Holy Smoke’ which will be staged in May.

Not even the rain could dampen the spirit of the 1500 people who took part in Quest last weekend!

IT CAN TAKE TIME TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SELLING OR LETTING, SO IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT MAKING THE MOVE, NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME. CONTACT US FOR A FREE MARKET APPRAISAL.

John Daly

Suzanne Teahan

There was much to celebrate on International Women’s Day at our own Sheen Falls Lodge!

“We are beyond fortunate to have so many incredible women as part of our team, thank you to all the incredible and inspirational women we have at the lodge!”

The fun pub quiz held in the Brooklane Hotel in aid of Inbhear Sceine Gaels pitch development fund was well supported and thanks were paid to everyone who attended, helped out and sponsored prizes.

DOS Timber products are celebrating 20 years in business, and looking forward to the next 20! Priding themselves on their reputation of quality craftsmanship and customer service from the initial consultation to the completion of every project they offer a friendly and professional one-to-one service. Using only the highest standards of materials all of their furniture is custom made to suit your requirements and provide you with the kitchen, wardrobe or furniture piece of your dreams.

Designing kitchens to suit all requirements from traditional to contemporary at affordable prices, each kitchen is custom built to measure, delivered and installed to the highest standards. All designs can be viewed on 3D so you can visualise how your kitchen will look when complete. In the bedroom they offer contemporary, modern and traditional fitted or free-standing solutions with products that include wardrobes, sliderobes, lockers, headboards, bookshelves and more. Sloped spaces that seem difficult to solve are not a problem as they have endless designs and storage solutions for you.They also specialise in furniture design for offices, bathrooms, living rooms and utility rooms with quotations provided free of charge. DOS Timber products want to thank all their customers for welcoming them into their homes over the years and the opportunities to create a wonderful range of custom made furniture for them, it’s been a joy!

You will find them online on www.dostp.ie and they can be contacted on 087 6661700 / dostimber@gmail.com

More than 1,400 adventure racers kicked off the first Quest Adventure Race of the year with Quest Kenmare last weekend. Participants, who arrived in Kenmare with friends and family from all over Ireland and the UK, were treated to the stunning local scenery of Molls Gap, Kerry Way, Esk Mountain, Muckross Park and Kenmare town, along three different routes.

Kenmare enjoyed up to 3,000 visitors over the weekend for Quest Kenmare who stayed in accommodation locally and enjoyed the atmosphere in our bars and restaurants on the Friday and Saturday evenings. As always, participants were encouraged to embrace the idea of using the event to stay longer in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Locals made visitors extremely welcome, and businesses went the extra mile to open outside their usual operating hours to accommodate the event.

Taking part in Quest Kenmare this year were Kerry’s own Tadgh Fleming and Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories, both adventure race enthusiasts since taking part in RTÉ’s Hell Week. A jubilant Tadgh Fleming and Rory O’Connor of

A court decision allowing inshore trawling to continue has been met with dismay by Green Party representatives in Kerry

On Friday March 10th the Court of Appeal ruled that an attempt by the state to ban trawler fishing within six nautical miles of shore was illegal. Cleo Murphy, the Green Party’s Kenmare representative said the practice of trawlers fishing in Kenmare Bay is destroying marine life on the seabed and robbing inshore fishermen of their livelihood.

“One local fisherman told me he now has to put down 400 shrimp pots to get the same catch that 150 pots would yield a few years back,” she said. “This is bad for angling, bad for tourism, and bad for local incomes. Coastal communities around Kerry depend on a healthy marine life. We need the state to act quickly to protect our precious bays and estuaries. I’ve written to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to take action, now that the court has ruled.”

Rory’s Stories, both adventure race enthusiasts since taking part in RTÉ’s Hell Week. A jubilant Tadgh who completed the expert route with fiancé Alannah Bradley, said after the race, “We made it! We did the 55k last year and we did the 78k this year – no better feeling than going over that finish line. We trained together and we stuck it out together. Can’t wait for the next one!”

Winners of the expert route were Sebastien Giraud and local Kenmare woman Ellen Vitting, who defended her title successfully from 2022, sport route winners were David Hickey and Rhianna Henaghan whilst victorious in the challenge route were Sheldon Kirkwood and Louise Fogarty.

Jerry O’Sullivan, Kenmare Marketing and Events Group (KMEG) said, "Kenmare is very pleased to welcome competitors and spectators of the wonderful Quest Adventure series, the colour, vibrancy and business they bring to town is a very welcome boost as we enter a new tourist season."

Quest Kenmare will be back in 2024 with a provisional date of Saturday 9th March.

Inter Kenmare

Congratulations to Linda Twomey, club member and winner of our recent Club Lotto Jackpot. Linda was lucky enough to scoop €9150 and we are all delighted that our first jackpot went to a local club member! The jackpot has been reset and stands at €1325 and this will go up every week it is not won! It’s easy to sign up, just visit www.ourgrassroots.ie/club/interkenmare

The club has enjoyed some outstanding success in the Futsal Community Games competition this month with our U15 and U13 boys and U13 girls all experiencing great wins, coming out as County champions. This is no mean feat and the players and coaches are to be commended!

An Extraordinary General Meeting of Inter Kenmare FC will take place on Tuesday 21th March at 7.30pm in Pobail Scoil Inbhear Sceine Kenmare and all Members are invited to attend. Inter FC Kenmare are proposing to build a full size all weather playing facility at their grounds at Dromneavane Kenmare subject to existing planning permission (21/17) and loan approval.

Tuesday to Sunday from 4pm

Kenmare Kestrels

Basketball season is now in full flow with underage teams in action over the past month.

The club is running over 35's non competitive mens basketball every Tuesday at the earlier time of 8.30pm at the GAA Hall in Fr Breen Park, and non competitive over 35's ladies basketball every Thursday evening at 9pm. All welcome.

For more on club news and events and games please go to Kenmare Kestrels Facebook page.

U12 Division 1

U14 Girls

U10 Girls

U10 Girls

U13 Girls

Golf in Kenmare

There’s a real smell of spring in the air and a really good buzz at the golf club. The big early season competitions are starting up, with the Spring Leagues, Club Foursomes and Club Singles competitions being planned.

We have already played the first competition of the year outside of winter rules, and we are starting to see the benefits of a brilliant programme of work from our greenkeeping team. You’ll see new directional signage going up around the course in March – if anyone that’s not a golfer is wondering what the signposts are, these are new signs to help visitors find their way around the course quickly – just another step towards improving the experience for visitors.

In time for International Women’s Day (March 8 th ) we’ve got two great items of interest to all women golfers for 2023 and these get pride of place in this months issue:

Ladies – Get Golfing – we have every angle covered.

Our Ladies Club have organised two excellent schemes to help people take up or re-join the world of golf.

Ladies Get into Golf

Ladies get into golf is suitable for Ladies who have never played golf in the past.

Membership benefits

• 5 weeks of get into Golf lessons with Mark Heinemann golf pro.

• 3 weeks of Scrambles

• Access to golf course 7 days a week for lots of practice May & June

• If you don’t have golf clubs don’t worry a set will be provided for lessons & scrambles.

Cost €100.

Registration Tuesday 18th of April @7pm Kenmare Golf Club.

Lessons Starts 25th of April.

Contact Elaine Daly 0868113068 or info@kenmaregolfclub.com to book a place.

Ladies Back to Golf Membership

Ladies back to golf is suitable for Ladies who have completed the get into golf programme or played golf before and want to take it up again.

Membership Benefits

• 5 weeks of Intermediate golf lessons with Mark Heinemann golf pro

• 3 weeks of Scrambles.

• Buddy golf to obtain your handicap.

• Access to golf course 7 days a week.

• Easy access to booking Tee times via online BRS

• Entry to Club competitions

Golf Lessons €100

Plus, Membership €450 or €50 per month.

Registration Tuesday 18th of April @7pm, starts Tuesday the 25th of April

Contact Elaine Daly 086 8113068 to book a place.

Results:

Results for the week ending 5/3/2023

Mens 18 Hole Singles Stableford

1st - Eoin McSwiney (20) - 45

2nd - Mark Granville (14) - 43

3rd - Sean Finn (15) - 43 OCB

Best Gross Daragh O'Siochru (4) – 35 Gross Points

Ladies 15 Hole Singles Stableford

1st: Elaine Daly (29) 34pts

2nd: Laura Hatton (24) 33pts ocb

3rd: Noreen Crowley (18) 33pts ocb.

February 8 Hole eclectic re-entry Winner: Angela Cronin (20) 24pts.

Autumn Gold Thursday 2nd March: Winner Larry Kelly 22pts.

Week ending 26/2/23

Captain Bosco MacGearailt, Captain Kathleen O'Shea and President Johnny Allen, Kenmare Golf Club Officers for 2023.

Narrow wins for Jerry O’Sullivan and Anne Murphy after a great weekend of golf. This week - Rules

Night Friday 3rd at 7.30, followed by prizegiving, and another great weekend of golf coming up.

Mens 18 Hole Singles Stableford

1st - Jerry O'Sullivan (18) – 43 pts

2nd - James Murphy (10) – 42 pts

3rd - Tim Twomey (20) – 41 pts

Best Gross Mark O'Donovan (4) – 36 gross pts

Best Senior Dave Burke (10) - 39

Ladies

15 hole competition 25th /26th February.

1st: Anne Murphy (35) 35pts.

2nd: Kathy Kelleher (37) 32pts.

3rd: Elaine Daly (29) 29pts.

Autumn Gold Thursday 16th

Winner Patrick O’Sullivan 20pts

Week ending 19/2/2023

Bruce Mulcahy and Bertie McSwiney are this week’s men’s winners in a very tightly contested Men’s

Scotch Foursomes. Angela Brosnan hit top form and took the ladies V-Par by 4 shots.

Men’s Scotch Foursomes

1st - Bruce Mulcahy/Bertie Jnr. McSwiney (17) - 44

2nd - Sean Murphy/Colin Coady (12) - 43

3rd - Pat Kiely/Ger Wallace (25) - 43 OCB

Best Gross Philip Duggan/Charlie Vaughan (5) – 33

Ladies

15 Hole V Par competition 18th/19th February.

1st: Angela Brosnan (5) - 1

2nd: Noreen Crowley (18) - 5 ocb

Autumn Gold Thursday 16th Feb

Winner Jack Tuohy 18Pts

As the 2023 hurling and football season gets underway we would like to wish all our players, management parents and guardians every success. Keep a lookout on our social media platforms and website www.kenmaregaa.ie for fixtures, results, photos, lotto results, and updates.

In the final round of the East Kerry Super League our senior footballers had a comprehensive victory over Kilcummin on a score line of 1-14 to 1-09.

All underage football and hurling teams are starting training in the next few weeks, some have started already so if you have children who would like to play, please let us know. We can be contacted through social media.

Check out our website shop if you would like to buy club merchandise for the 2023 season. If you would like to buy membership, please do so through Clubforce.com as soon as possible.

Our Glitter and Glamour night at the Kenmare Bay Hotel was a great success, we’re already looking forward to the next one!

Last week’s Lotto jackpot was €6,600. You can purchase tickets from many local businesses in Kenmare town and also buy them online by visiting www.kenmaregaa.ie

Recent lucky dip winners from our Lotto included Tommy O'Sullivan (Arthur), Grace Healy (online), Patricia Breen (online), Sadhbh Maybury and Esther Dudley (online).

We would like to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mothers Day this Sunday.

Kenmare Shamrocks GAA

Our minor footballers are 3 wins from 3 games in the MFL Division 1.

Killarney Glass

Unit 4, Woodlands, The Park, Killarney T: 064 663 3232 | 087 2579794

E: info@killarneyglass.com | www.killarneyglass.com

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