Killarney embraces first full season since pandemic

Killarney is wholeheartedly and enthusiastically embracing its first full season since the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s great to witness the energy and sense of purpose evident in the town at this time of the year, Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Joint President, Johnny McGuire, has said.

Addressing a members’ lunch in the Killarney Plaza Hotel, on Wednesday, he said the energy and determination was particularly obvious this year with the outstanding success of the new outdoor dining experience at Kenmare Place and he congratulated all those who brought that project to fruition.

Mr McGuire also highlighted the enormous role the Gleneagle INEC Arena plays in the success of Killarney and added that he is constantly overwhelmed by the amazing events that take place there, almost on a daily basis.

“It is a testament to the vision and foresight of the late Maurice O’Donoghue and it is ably captained today by his son Patrick.

“Thank you to the O’Donoghue family for everything they have done to make the Killarney season what it is,” he said.

At the lunch, a presentation was made to Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Niall Kelleher, to mark his hugely successful two-year term as President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

Mr McGuire – who with Pádraig Treacy succeeded Niall as joint president earlier this year – said their predecessor spearheaded the organisation with great success and he has also worked tremendously hard for the betterment of Killarney and its people.

He said Niall brought the chamber executive together to implement a plan to completely restructure the business organisation and to prepare for the future.

“We were locked up at that meeting for 48 hours to get it done and it was like electing a pope – we had to wait for the white smoke. We came up with a document in association with a consultancy firm called Repucon and, since then, we have introduced a whole new structure,” Mr McGuire added.

Going forward, the chamber will continue to work closely with Kerry County Council and Mr McGuire lauded the hugely proactive and can-do approach adopted by the local authority and he thanked new Municipal District Officer, Matt Farrell, for his commitment and support.

A presentation of a framed montage of photographs, featuring images of the highlights of his two-year term, was presented to Mayor Kelleher as a token of appreciation.

Thanks and appreciation was also extended to businessman Paul Sherry who has stepped down from the position of voluntary chairman of the Killarney St Patrick’s Festival.

Mr McGuire said Paul brought enormous energy, commitment and passion to the role and he was instrumental in making the March 17 celebration in Killarney one of the best in the country.

It was confirmed at the lunch that Jason

Clifford, general manager of the Dunloe Hotel and Gardens, will be the new chairman of the St Patrick’s Festival and it is his intention to build on the solid foundation that Paul has established.

A tribute was also paid at the lunch to the late Paul Coghlan, the former senator, councillor and two-time Mayor of Killarney, who passed away recently.

Johnny McGuire said Paul was a former president and a long-standing member of the chamber and he devoted his life to the development of the community and the town of Killarney.

“His passing was a sad occasion for us all,” he said.

The Essence of Summer on a Plate

Indulge in a fusion of fresh seasonal ingredients prepared by our chef with passion and creativity to create dishes that express the very essence of modern Irish cuisine. Choose from an impressive á la Carte menu including creative salads, gourmet sandwiches, meat, fish and garden dishes made with the best of the season.