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

General Footcare

Corns, Ingrown toenails, Thickened nails. Removal of hard skin, Callus, Cracked heels.

Chiropody Clinic

House calls available on request

Chiropody Clinic, Brosnan’s Pharmacy, Henry Street, Kenmare

Phone Michelle Conway on 083 4074256

By appointment only

Congratulations to our own Brooklane Hotel putting Ballymaloe House into second place and taking gold at the prestigious Hotel and Catering awards held last month.

Billy Clifford, Whitethorn, Kenmare was a recent weekly winner in the Irish Examiner Readers Photography Competition with his exceptional photograph of a female sparrowhawk grappling with a hooded crow it has just captured.

Kevin Reilly, Billy Kelleher MEP and Donal O'Sullivan reunited at Kenmare Mart Social. The men attended Pallaskenry Agricultural College in Limerick together. pic Mary D O'Neill. More pics page 19

Kenmare Tidy Towns committee being presented with a cheque from Kenmare Butter Market, proceeds from the Tree of Remembrance at the Christmas Market, thanks were paid to everyone who supported this initiative.

Congratulations to Tom who finished his Level 2 Coaching certificate. It involved online webinars and trips up to the NAC in Dublin.

We had 15 athletes represent their local schools in Munster on the first weekend in February. Well done to our new swimmers at their first gala Alannah, Luain, Amelia, Ailbhe, Abbie, Ava and Caragh who were absolutely brilliant. The Club is really proud of all the personal bests by our experienced squad and we saw some super swims by Jessie, Sophie, Roxy, Sam, Tadgh and Will, our Pobalscoil swimmers Cillian and Sebastian did extremely well also. No slowing down for the club in the new year!

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!

Kenmare Bay Swim Club had its annual Christmas outing in Bowling Buddies for some well deserved fun.

Carmel and Davey Breen would like to thank all of those who took part in Davey’s Walk on St Stephens Day which raised €2,922 for Kerry Hospice Foundation which helps to fund, in partnership with the HSE, the provision of specialist palliative care services which support patients who are living with an advancing illness In Kerry.

The amble of walkers made their way northward from ‘The Shop,’ past Direendaragh Church and along the winding boreens of Blackwater before opening onto picturesque shores of Lough Brin. Walkers were met with heavy showers on the outward leg however spirits were not dampened as a handsome lakeside feast was served at the halfway point with food cooked by Davey, Mossy O’Leary and Martin Riney with Carmel and Timothy Clifford handing out the tea and coffee. Afterwards walkers were able to rest their legs at The Tavern where they were treated to tunes from a local group of traditional musicians joined by guest musicians from across the water, and a raffle was held where lots of lucky winners went home with some amazing prizes. Carmel and Davey would like to extend their thanks to all of those who helped make the walk happen; Teddy & Mary O’Neil at the Blackwater Tavern, cooks on the day Mossy O’Leary & Martin Riney, Timothy Clifford and everyone who donated raffle prizes and of course those who took part on the walk.

Congratulations to Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine transition year students from who achieved the Narrative 4 Empathy School bronze award with the help of their teacher Mr George Humston, they are delighted to be the first school in Kerry to achieve this award.

Well done to Caragh, Jessie, Emer, Abbie, Ailbhe, Sophie, Tadgh, Will and Sebastian who represented Kenmare in the Community Games County Finals. Congratulations to the girls relay squad for their silver medal, Sebastian and Jessie for pewter, Tadgh for silver and and Will for bronze.

Members of the Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine Student Council who recently presented Mary Riney, SVP Kenmare, with a donation from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, money raised at Christmas. Pictured are Student Council liaison teacher Ms Lisa Aherne with members of the Student Council Orla McSwiney LC1, Chloe Cremin Vice President, Conor Adams President and Peter Crushell LC1; Mary Riney SVP and Principal Mr Dermot Healy.

Reily, Eoghan and Terence collecting €820, proceeds from the annual Christmas hamper in Sean Daly & Co., on behalf of Kenmare Special Needs Group.

School friends Pat Joe Cremin and Michael Teahan Kilgarvan, brothers, sisters and aunt of the late Joe Madden of Kilgarvan, Tralee and London, having a drink to celebrate Joe’s life after his funeral last week.

There was huge interest in the BT Young Scientist Competition in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine with a record number of entries and qualifiers. The six qualified projects covered a diverse range of problems and the enthusiasm and dedication of all the students involved cannot be praised enough. The 15 students involved travelled to the RDS with their mentors Ms Sarah Abbott and Mr John O’Sullivan and represented the school impeccably.. Particular congratulations to Rebecca O’Sullivan and Éadaoin Healy on their highly commended award. The projects entered were Pollution is not the solution Éadaoin Healy and Rebecca O’Sullivan (JC2); Derustifier Tiarnan O’Shea (JC2) and Sebastian Abram-Pavlov (JC3); Does caffeine affect your athletic performance? Laoise Carey, Niamh Hurley and Clíona O’Sullivan (TY); It's getting hot in here – aerosols in the atmosphere Laura

Scanlon and Ciara Stauch (TY); Clash of the Ash Jack

O’Sullivan, Ollie Shea and Jack Tangney (TY); and Chemical Hand Warmer

Cathal Kelleher, Ben O’Callaghan, and Mort O’Shea (TY).

Sile Browne and Alan Donnery, Kenmare Bay Hotel, pictured at the Brides of Munster Wedding Industry Awards on February 12th in Adare after winning ‘Destination Wedding Venue of the Year 2023’. “We are over the moon to have received this award and wish to thank everyone who nominated and voted for us. It is a great achievement for all our team at the hotel and furthermore for the wonderful town of Kenmare, which is the wedding destination location of dreams.”

The news of the convent closing is a loss for our area. Thank you to all the nuns of the Sisters of St Clare, present and past, for their work and sacrifice which transformed the lives of so many due to the nuns dedicated service to education for over 150 years. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Lisa Argue, Marketing Manager at Dream Ireland, at an Irish Self-Catering Federation meeting discussing their concerns about the difficulties facing rural tourism in 2023 particularly with the introduction of a register for short term rental without clear guidelines.

50 year of Ireland’s membership in the EU has transformed our island and was marked by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, with a joint sitting of the Dáil and Senate.

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

The Kerry Civil War conference was opened by Minister Norma Foley with conference organiser Owen O’Shea along with Cllr Johnnie Wall, Cllr Sam Locke and Cllr Breandan Fitzgerald. The exhibition 'Mise, le Meas' in Siamsa Tíre by MTU Kerry students and learners from Kerry College Clash Campus created 'inspiring visual responses to Civil War narratives, focusing on original documentation and poignant letters sent and received during this tumultuous and formative period in Irish history.'

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

He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds

Psalm 147:3

Please bring a memory to lay at the foot of the Cross.

“Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms.”

St Patrick’s Church Kenmare

4th March 2pm

February

Paulo Coelho

Lauragh National School

Last month in the Junior Room we were busy with our Aistear theme the ‘Doctors’. Aistear promotes learning through play in a child-led environment. The children had great fun in their groups working on this theme. Have a look at some of our pictures and see what we got up to in our different groups. Safe to say we were all in safe hands this month.

The children are also enjoying a Sensory Circuits session weekly. A sensory circuit is an active and engaging circuit exercise designed to stimulate students’ bodies and minds so that they’re ready for the productive school day. This is proving a great success for all!

Lauragh National School is now accepting enrolments for September 2023. Follow us on our School Facebook page for updates or checkout our school website:

www.lauraghnsie.wordpress.com

The INEC was filled to capacity on Sunday January 29th where 71 primary school teams from all over South Kerry participated in the annual Killarney Credit Union school quiz. Two teams from St John’s National School came first and second in the Under 13 age category and will go on to represent Killarney Credit Union in the Chapter competition on March 5th in Tralee. First place went to the team comprising Laura Stauch, Daithí O Shea, Eoghan Downing and Ronan Deasy, with the second place taken by the team of Sean James Hickey, Darcy O’Shea, Fergus McCarthy and Alice O’Connor.

Joy Clifford Vaughan, Chairperson Killarney Credit Union thanked all schools that took part on the day saying, “The event was even more special due to the absence since 2020.” She went on to acknowledge the long distances that many schools had to travel on the day and thanked them for participating in the quiz, and the staff, management and volunteers who helped out on the day correcting, stewarding and adjudication.

Chime will hold an Outreach Clinic in Kenmare on Friday February 25th from 10am to 1pm at Kenmare Family Resource Centre. This is a free and confidential support service on all aspects of deafness and hearing loss offering information and resources, assistive technologies, minor hearing aid repairs, and hearing aid batteries for sale for €2 a card. Call or text Jerry on 087-3747327 to make an appointment.

Congratulations to Bridget Kate Olivia O'Neill of Lounahan, Kilgarvan whose christening took place on Saturday January 7th in St. Patrick's Church, Kilgarvan. Parents, Oliver & Una, wish to thank Fr. Niall Howard for the beautiful ceremony and for Bridget's Godparents Caroline O'Shea and James Cremin who will no doubt be part of Bridget's life as she grows up. They also thanked family and friends who shared Bridget's special day for the gifts and the memories.

Kenmare Bay Cruises will launch cruises from Kenmare Pier in April 2023. ‘Island Explorer’ is a Kingfisher 50, with a capacity of 72 passengers owned by Kenmare man Mark Lynch and Fionan Murphy of FM Marine on Valentia Island. The boat is currently being refurbished at their boatyard on Valentia Island. They will provide 90 minutes cruises on Kenmare Bay with a live

commentary of the history, geography, and wildlife of the area. Their website(www.kenmarebaycruises.com will be launching in a couple of weeks with giveaways of pairs of tickets and family tickets.

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

Know Where You Stand Leaflets

I have a guide to your entitlements in 2023, I will try and hand deliver as many as possible, however I won't be able to get to every household. If you would like a copy please call into the office or give me a call and I will get a copy to you.

St Clare's 160 years in Kenmare

I wish the order of St Clare's all the best for the future. After 160 years they are leaving Kenmare. St Clares made a wonderful contribution to our community throughout the years and worked away quietly assisting those most in need; they also had a particular focus on improving education at both national and secondary school level.

Kenmare Flood relief survey works

Topographical Surveys:

Murphy’s Geospatial Ltd were appointed by Kerry County Council in December 2022 to carry out the required topographical surveys for the design of the Scheme This work includes level and position surveys along the rivers and channels, cross sections of the floodplain, structures, flood defences and threshold levels of all buildings within the floodplain. At this point these surveys are approximately 70% complete and are scheduled for completion by 10/2/2023.

Culvert & CCTV Surveys:

ENVA Ireland Ltd were appointed by Kerry County Council in January 2023 to carry out Culvert & CCTV surveys of the existing drainage networks and associated watercourses. The collected data will be used to accurately build a hydraulic model, undertake drainage analysis, damages assessment and preliminary design of flood risk management measures. ENVA Ireland commenced surveys on the 7th February and is expected to take about 9 weeks to complete.

Regional and local roads in Kerry to receive €31 Million.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. today announced details of a €626 million investment programme for 2023 for regional and local roads.

This represents an increase in funding of €20m for road pavement and rehabilitation works. The funding package will allow approximately 3,100kms of regional and local roads to be maintained and 2,550kms to be strengthened. There are various categories of grants for different roads projects. The allocation is an increase of 4.7 % on the 2022 allocation for Kerry.

Rural roads and laneways: €797k for Kerry

Minister Heather Humphreys announces over €12.5 million for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways. There is a long list of applicants waiting for Local Improvement Schemes. Since the scheme was reintroduced in 2017 €112 million has been spent. The investment is key to supporting vital road infrastructure in rural communities, as well as providing access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers and beaches. Whilst this funding is welcome I believe it is not near enough as it will take many years to get through the list in Kerry.

NBI Update: Fibre broadband rollout expands across County Kerry

In Kenmare and Kilgarvan Eir are currently completing fibre to the home 1 Gig or 1,000 MBITS. In Rural areas fibre is being further rolled out. National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the new high speed fibre broadband network under the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) announced that construction has commenced to deliver high-speed broadband to almost 3,000

more premises to include. In Kerry, there are approximately 27,000 premises in the Intervention Area (IA), which includes homes, farms, commercial businesses and schools. Under the National Broadband Plan, County Kerry will see an investment of €107M in the new high speed fibre network. This will enable e-learning, remote monitoring of livestock or equipment, e-health initiatives, better energy efficiency in the home, and facilitate increased levels of remote working. National Broadband Ireland’s website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Passports

Apply online to avoid missing your flight or holiday

I encourage those who need new passports for travel to apply for them in plenty of time as the Department of Foreign Affairs is anticipating high demand in 2023 with an estimated 1.5 million applications expected.

Families who are planning to travel in 2023 with children who are first-time applicants, should apply now online and only use the Garda station to sign and stamp the required documentation. Almost all Irish citizens can apply for first time passports and renewals online by taking a picture on a mobile phone against a white background. The current turnaround time for simple adult renewals is 2-10 working days, complex renewals will take 15 working days and first-time applicants can take up to 40 working days to process, if the documentation is completed correctly. Given the demand for passports expected by the Department this year, I would urge people to apply now to avoid missing their flight down the line. An urgent appointment service for passport renewal is also available at passport offices in Cork and Dublin. It offers a same day renewal service and appointments can be booked three days in advance. A four-day renewal service is also available, and these appointments can be booked three weeks in advance.

Further information is available on the DFA website and you can apply online via https://www.dfa.ie/passportonline/ If i and my colleague Brendan Griffin TD can assist feel free to call us at any time we have been successful with many applicants in the last few years.

Patrick

Kenmare Medical Centre

presented medals and certs to the talented young camogie players of Killarney Camogie Club at their recently held social night in the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Recipients included Bride, Muireann and Eleanor Breen, Kilgarvan, and Martha O’Sullivan,

Congratulations to Ann O'Sullivan, Blackwater, who celebrated her 60th birthday with a party for family and some of her many friends in Blackwater Tavern recently. pic Mary D O’Neill

Well done to Pobalscoil U15 boys rugby team, pictured with mentors John O'Sullivan, Brian Devine and Con Crowley, who competed in a rugby development blitz held in Tralee Rugby Club recently. The boys put in great team performances against Tralee and Castleisland.

Kerry Camogie Chairman Ger McCarthy and Kerry U14 camogie manager Ceara Moore

Bonane.

Cahir National School

We celebrated Grandparents Day as part of Catholic School’s week and invited our grandparents to school where Father Hayes celebrated them with a lovely Mass, before their enjoyed refreshments provided by the parents and families of the school. The children enjoyed showing their grandparents around the school and great discussions took place over the comparisons and contrasts between school long ago and today. It was lovely to be able to celebrate our grandparents as they can be our caregivers, teachers and our playmates. Grandparents hold our hands for a little while, but hold our hearts forever.

We are very excited about getting back to swimming lessons after our midterm break. Swimming increases our confidence in the water and is a great form of regular exercise. Many thanks to all the parents who helped with the recent church gate collection for our defibrillator, which raised €853.61. The defibrillator will be a tremendous asset to the school and the local community in the years ahead.

Our school garden is beginning to take shape, we have sown seeds for peas and broad beans and are looking forward to watching them grow over the next few weeks. We are

building raised beds and getting the soil ready for potato planting and have also been exploring some of the varieties of nature and non-nature species found in our gardens and the surrounding areas of Kenmare. A sample table has been set up to explore.

The first meeting of 2023 was held on Thursday February 2nd in the Gateway. Sarah O’Brien, organic grower and horticultural tutor, has been lecturing in the adult education centre Kenmare for the past 10 years and covered the extensive list of accredited courses certified with the organic trust that are available there. Her talk entitled ‘Edible Plants in the Organic Garden’, covered the vast range of plants from fruit trees and bushes to perennials and annuals, and attractive vegetable plants and wild flowers that can be incorporated into our gardens to improve biodiversity and be a tasty addition to our garden displays, stressing the importance of organically improving soil quality without the use of chemicals.

The talk was followed by the AGM After a brief report by the treasurer the new committee was elected with the hard work and dedication of those retiring noted and appreciated by the club. Our next meeting will take placed on Thursday March 2nd where Mary Katherine Gallagher, environmental scientist, will give a talk on understanding and caring for the hidden wonders of the insect life in our gardens. Meetings take place 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 available. Contact Stephen Austen on 087 9112876 for further information if you are interested in becoming a member. Non members are also very welcome for a small fee.

Kenmare and District Garden Club

BONANE-TUNNELS

I am keeping on the pressure with regard to the horrendous condition of the road to Bonane. We need a complete resurfacing of the road from the suspension bridge to Bonane. Despite the best efforts of the local area office who do try to do their best to keep the potholes filled at all times it is an impossible situation as soon as they are filled they are opened again.

Good news however is the progress I have made with regard to the tunnels and the fact that I asked that an early warning system would be put in place with regard to the height restriction of the tunnel. In other words on the Kenmare and Glengarriffesides of the tunnel that there would be a barrier in place that would indicate the height of the tunnel and that there would be a flashing light system to let a person know if their load was deemed to be over sized and a danger to themselves and the tunnel. It now looks as if this system is going to get the go ahead and for that I am grateful that the case I made is being accepted. There are other issues as well with regard to the tunnel that I am giving attention to at present.

KILGARVAN GRAVEYARD

It is becoming more evident that the Graveyard spaces in Kilgarvan are rapidly running out. We do have additional grounds which would need rock to be broken out if this was to be deemed suitable. It could be prepared and got ready to use as grave spaces. Ultimately for future planning it would be a wise move to look at purchasing lands if possible and this matter needs urgent attention.

I have brought this to the attention of Management of Kerry County Council in the past and in recent days as it is coming more and more urgent.

Turkey/Syria

It was very important to raise in the record of the Dail this week to acknowledge the horror of the recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria. I am glad that the Government and the irishpeople are assisting in every way they can and my heartfelt sympathies go out to all the those who are affected by this awful event

St Mary of the Angels

St Mary of the Angels offers a excellent facility for people with special needs and has done so for many years but unfortunately Government policy is that being closed by stealth which means no new residents are being accepted and it is in my opinion a centre of excellence and I raised this again in the Dail last week and highlighted the fact that yes integrating people into the community is very good in certain circumstances but one shoe does not fit all sizes. I believe it should be kept opened for the purpose it is being used for and the people working there and have worked there over the years are so kind and provide excellent care to the residents there

Nursing homes

Our nursing homes provide an invaluable service as do our local community hospitals. An alliance of rural based nursing homes have asked me to lobby Government to highlight the fact that they are struggling so much at present to survive because of the massive increase of lighting/heating and basic costs and indeed in the last week another small nursing home closed in Ireland which is a great loss to its community. I will continue to work for and with these nursing homes to ensure that they will be able to continue to provide much needed homes for local people to stay in their local community

Personal note

It is with sadness I want to let people know that my late uncle Denis Healy Rae died on the 5th Feb in the USA. He was my late father Jackies last remaining brother, he was 90 years old, he was predeceased by his late wife betty. He left Kilgarvan in 1961 and worked in the Manhattan and Bronx surface transit as a bus driver and then later as a mechanic, He worked with them for 25 years and after retiring from that job he worked as a school custodian, he was a very hard worker and very kind and sincere, He was very popular here in Kilgarvan before he emigrated as he worked with my father ploughing and mowing hay for the local farmers. He is survived by his 4 children and grandchildren, he was buried on Sat 11th Feb in USA, May he rest in peace

VAT RATE

The retention of the lower VAT rate is very important for all of our business involved in the hospitality sector and I was glad to support the recent campaign held by hairdressers in Dublin recently. This sector like others are relying on this rate to remain as it is and im urging Government to keep it at 9%

Claire O’Sullivan Coaching

Smiles all round at the wonderful Kenmare Mart social. The event was attended by the committee of George O'Neill, Patrick Doyle, Michael O'Sullivan, Denis McCarthy, Patrick Randles, Chairman Michael O'Sullivan and Mart Manager Councillor Dan McCarthy, who welcomed guest speaker Billy Kelleher MEP. pics Mary D O’Neill

Thanks to all the grandparents and parents that came to our school to celebrate Grandparents Day. This special day was part of Irish Catholic Schools Week and the theme for this year was 'Walking together in faith and love’. The grandparents of third class children joined the celebrations led by Fr. George Hayes and there were prayers, songs, stories and blessings. Afterwards, refreshments were served and some pupils played traditional music. All the children were very excited to have their grandparents come to visit them in their school and Mr. O’ Leary acknowledged the great work that is done by all grandparents and thanked them for their ongoing support. It was a very memorable and special day for all.

Congratulations to our U13 team who came 1st and 2nd in the Credit Union Quiz in Killarney. Well done to our U11 team who performed really well and thanks to Ms. S O’Sullivan for all her hard work with the boys and girls.

St. John’s N.S. Kenmare

Feel the force! Ms. O' Dwyer's 4th Class with the catapults they designed and made.

Over the coming months, South Kerry Development Partnership will develop a Local Development Strategy for the South Kerry area in preparation for the roll-out of the new LEADER Programme 2023 – 2027. A key feature of the LEADER programme is ensuring a community led approach in both the preparation and implementation of the local development strategy. South Kerry Development Partnership will therefore embark on a series of community consultation meetings to hear your views on how LEADER 2023 – 2027 can support the development of your community from an economic, social & environmental perspective. Please come along to your local community consultation event as this is your communities opportunity to shape the South Kerry LEADER Local Development Strategy. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

Mart Social

T: 087 222 4411

A great night was had at this year’s Kenmare Mart’s Social. The meal at the Kenmare bay hotel was outstanding and it was great to get the dancing shoes back on. Hope everyone enjoyed it

Farewell

I would like to say a fond farewell and good luck to the Sisters of St Claire’s Convent Kenmare. I hope they will be happy in their next venture.

Motions

I have asked Kerry County Council about their plans for flood relief at Finnihy Banks due to the erosions further upstream and have asked for urgent action to be taken.

I have again raised the issue of the Bonane Road with Kerry County Council and asked for a start date on this project.

The family of the late Flor O Sullivan, Ballygriffin, Kenmare wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and well wishers who visited our home, attended the wake, service and burial and provided emotional and practical support to us at this difficult time. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations to the Irish Community Air Ambulance, we are truly grateful.

We offer a special word of thanks to his cycling friends who brought him home, and stayed with him while we travelled back to Kenmare and the medics who attended and did their utmost for him.

It would be impossible to thank everyone individually so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Flor’s first anniversary mass will be held on Saturday February 25th in Kenmare at 7.30pm.

Blackwater News

RELAX and get a one 1 year free warranty with your Toyota Service at Kellihers Garage!

Do you own a Toyota, up to 10 years old and under 185,000kms?

Then Toyota RELAX is for you! When you service your Toyota car or commercial at Kellihers Garage, not only will your car be serviced by trained Toyota technicians using genuine Toyota parts, you will also be rewarded with a 12 month Toyota RELAX warranty. Launched by Toyota in 2022, this new type of warranty that will cover all its cars up to 10 years of age or with up to 185,000kms on the clock. When your next Toyota service is due, make an appointment at Kellihers Garage, Tralee, which is the only Toyota dealership in Kerry where your 12 month Toyota Relax warranty will be activated.

Gerard McCarthy, aftersales manager, welcomes its arrival to the motoring market as Toyota owners are being offered an extra layer of cover and are being rewarded for their loyalty. Toyota RELAX is simple and benefits the customer once your Toyota is serviced within the recommended intervals.

No stranger to the motoring world, Norma Lucey is a service advisor at the busy Toyota dealership and is on hand to answer any queries you may have so RELAX it really couldn’t be easier to service your Toyota and avail of this free extended warranty at Kellihers Garage, Tralee, your main Toyota dealer in Kerry 066 7120000 *T’s & C’s apply

Next meeting of Blackwater Women’s Group is Tuesday March 14th at 8pm in Blackwater Tavern. The monthly meeting is followed by the AGM and all members are requested to attend. The group formed in February 2002 and is are celebrating its 21st anniversary this month and still going strong!

Qigong (gentle exercise to music) classes in Tavern every Wednesday at the earlier time of 6.30pm to 7.30pm with Bob Martin. All Welcome.

Adult group singing sessions with Mary Culloty O’Sullivan. Ring Tavern and give in your name, sessions will go ahead if enough people are interested.

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 are available in O’Neill’s Shop Blackwater. Monitoring is free for the first 12 months.

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

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

Elaine Daly

March 22nd will be a special day for one Kenmare resident. It’s the day that David King’s first novel ‘American Bombshell’ will be published by Poolbeg Press. The book, based on the early life of his mother who married an American Bomber Pilot, is both a coming of age tale and war story, with scenes shifting from the English Midlands to the flack-filled skies over Germany.

A regular holiday visitor to the town for twenty years, David

finally settled here for good in 2016, just after Brexit. He began writing the novel, based not only on handed down family stories, but also on extensive research, during the Covid lockdown and sent it off to a number of publishers. For months he heard nothing and, assuming his writer career was over before it had even begun, put the manuscript away and forgot all about it. Months later he was contacted by an excited editor at Poolbeg Press and the book was resurrected, finally seeing the light of day as an emotionally charged action packed novel this spring.

American Bombshell has some unusual plot twists, bringing to light matters not usually seen in accounts of this period. The 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. It is available from Kenmare Bookshop or online at: https://www.easons.com/american-bombshell-pb-david-king-9781781997086

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine girls minor soccer team who narrowly lost out to Colaiste Ide agus Iosaef, Abbeyfeale 1-0 in the Munster Minor Cup recently. It was a marvellous achievement to play in the Munster School’s ladies soccer final and thanks were paid to the team’s mentor John Granville from Inter Kenmare Soccer Club.

Get your creative cap on the countdown to St. Patrick’s Day is here! If you are interested in taking part in this years Sneem St Patrick’s parade with your business, community group or with friends please contact sneemfestival@outlook.com or call 085 7845766. Walking and motorised floats are both welcome.

There was a great turnout for the twentieth and final Seamus McIntyre memorial hurling tournament. Lovely words were spoken and Seamus was fondly remembered along with his comrade Kilgarvan native, Garda George Rice. The day was all the more poignant as a nephew of Seamus, Garda John Mark Foley played the last ever game of this tournament. After twenty years and twenty successful tournaments the cup was presented to Seamus’s sister and brother Geraldine Foley and Padraig McIntyre.

Over the coming months, South Kerry Development Partnership will develop a Local Development Strategy for the South Kerry area in preparation for the roll-out of the new LEADER Programme 2023 – 2027. A key feature of the LEADER programme is ensuring a community led approach in both the preparation and implementation of the local development strategy. South Kerry Development Partnership will therefore embark on a series of community consultation meetings to hear your views on how LEADER 2023 – 2027 can support the development of your community from an economic, social & environmental perspective. Please come along to your local community consultation event as this is your communities opportunity to shape the South Kerry LEADER Local Development Strategy. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

Inter Kenmare

It’s been a busy month at Inter Kenmare FC with lots of league and cup games going ahead. All teams have been togging out over the course of the month and have been progressing well.

Our U12 girls, proudly sponsored by Kenmare Crash Repairs, had a very convincing win over Fenit winning 4 – 0. Well done!

A huge congratulations to our U16 boys who found their way into the last 32 of the National Cup. This is fiercely competitive and Inter Kenmare were beyond proud with how the boys represented the club both on and off the field. After a tight game, we were just pipped to the post by Donacarney 2 – 1.

In off the field news congratulations to Orla Murphy the winner of the ‘Beat the Winter Blues' special Lotto draw, and a big thanks to everyone who supports the club by playing the Club Lotto.

Our U12 boys recently played Killorglin and had a convincing win. A great effort by all.

18 Henry Street, Kenmare | 064 664 2233

On December 28th 2022, Jimmy O’Sullivan (The Runner) passed away after a long illness at Kenmare Community Nursing Hospital. Jimmy, a native of Collarus, Lauragh, and Gortamullen Heights, Kenmare, was a carpenter and house builder by profession.

In his youth, Jimmy was an exceptionally good cross country and road runner. After joining the Kenmare club under the stewardship of John Crowley Jimmy ran his first cross country race in Kilgarvan, the Kerry Novice Championship held on December 10th 1961. Writing in the Kenmare notes of the Kerryman that week, the writer said, “In very adverse weather conditions Jimmy and his team mates (they won the team race) showed amazing stamina and pluck and the whole district should be proud of them.” The writer went on to say that Jimmy fulfilled early promise of becoming a really first-class runner, especially as he was competing against some very experienced runners. How correct he was, as the following races and years of success proved to be. His next race was the County Youths race in Killarney and Jimmy was, once again, placed first. On January 16th1962 the Munster Novices race was held in Dunkerron Racecourse and Jimmy won it convincingly and in so doing became the first Kerryman to win an individual Munster Cross Country Title. That spring of 1962 Jimmy went on to win the Munster Youths Cross Country Championship and on March 30th in Carrigaline, County Cork, Jimmy placed 3rd in the All Ireland Youths. The following year, 1963, Jimmy won the Munster Junior Cross Country and in a report in the Kerryman in February the reporter said, “The free striding Tousist athlete jumped into prominence last year when he won the Munster Novice Championship, bringing Kerry its first ever provincial title in Cross Country. Already this season he has won the Kerry Senior Cross Country Championship, but Sunday’s performance must rank as his best, and stamps him as an athlete of great promise. He took an early lead in the first round of a six-mile course, and finished in 29 minutes, winning by 300 yards from John O’Brien, Cork, and deserved a big ovation from a very large crowd on a beautiful day.” Indeed, Jimmy said around that time that he had run in many racecourses in Kerry, Cork, Galway and Tipperary, but never saw a racehorse, and later that year he placed 3rd in the All-Ireland Junior Championship. In 1962, 1963,1964 and 1965 Jimmy won four successive Kerry Senior Cross Country Championships and in that period also won four successive County Road Championships. In 1961 the Farranfore Club, on St. Stephen’s day, promoted a senior road race for men in honour of the late Father Dan Brown, contested annually to this day, Jimmy won it in 1963 and 1965. These achievements brought Jimmy under the watchful eyes of national selectors. As a member of the FCA (local defence force) and a member of D Company (Killarney) FCA 15 Infantry Battalion, Jimmy was selected on the Irish Army Cross Country team that competed in the Military International which was held in Madrid at the end of February 1965. Many Irish athletes of note were on that team including Sean O’Sullivan, Mick Hickey and Willie Webb. Jimmy probably never reached his full potential and, at the relatively young age of twenty three, he retired from athletics and thereafter concentrated on playing Gaelic football for Kenmare. In the latter part of the 1960’s Kenmare were very successful and won the 1968 Towns Cup Competition with Jimmy very much one of their best backs, also winning the County Football Championship for the first time in 1974 with Jimmy as full back. For a number of years thereafter Jimmy continued to play football and became

more involved as an U21 selector and was part of the Kenmare District Board team of the early 1980’s that reached two County Finals in 1981 and 1982.

Jimmy, looking for yet another sporting challenge, then moved on to the local soccer team Inter Kenmare and there he trained teams up to County premier status, in the process winning many competitions.

To his wife Frances, daughter Caroline, sons Ken, Paul and Alan, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law and grandchildren and extended relatives and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy. Requiem Mass for Jimmy took place at Holy Cross Church, Kenmare on December 30th and on December 31st, his Cremation Service was held at the Island Crematorium, Cork.

Jimmy O’Sullivan (The Runner)

1962 Munster Novice Cross Country Champion

1962/63 Munster Junior Cross Country Champion

1962/63/64/65 Kerry Senior Cross Country Champion

Kenmare Kestrels

Basketball season is now in full flow with underage teams in action over the past month and the senior ladies now in the cup semi-final.

The club is running over 35's non competitive men's 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 club news and events and games please go to Kenmare Kestrels Facebook page.

Killarney Credit Union officially launch low cost green loans.

A low cost green loan with Killarney Credit Union is quickly becoming one of the most popular products in their suite of loans. This recently introduced loan has the aim of offering members choice, value and flexibility in financing their switch to more environmentally friendly options and Killarney Credit Union are delighted with the positive response to date.

This new suite of green loan products, along with the CU Greener Homes product, offers members and potential members more affordability in making greener choices in their homes and transport and offers finance for family home green initiatives covering areas such as renewable energy upgrades, attic, floor, wall and pipe insulation, sustainable water/heating systems, door, window or boiler Upgrades, installation of energy efficient controls in the home and deep retrofit. The Green loan also covers Transport Initiatives such as fully electric or hybrid cars, home charger units and electric bicycles or motorcycles. Elma Culloty, Operations Manager, Mark Murphy CEO and Karena McCarthy Marketing Officer pictured at the launch said, "If you are considering upgrading your home or transport to greener options and you are looking for more affordable choice in financing these upgrades contact Killarney Credit Union on 064 6631344, visit www.killarneycu.ie/green-loan or call in to their branches in Killarney, Kenmare or Cahersiveen for one to one personal service.”

Golf in Kenmare

Kenmare GC Update

Club news

January and February to date have been a great couple of golfing months. A couple of things have contributed to this. The course team and management prioritised some drainage projects in late ’22 and early this year, meaning that despite extreme rainfall, the course was in great condition for the time of the year. All 18 holes were in use over Christmas, and we’ve been able to rotate competitions to use all 18 at various stages through January and February.

The second factor has been competition organisation – the men’s and ladies committees have put a set of innovative competitions together for the start of the year. We’ve seen singles, team competitions and scrambles and haven’t played the same format twice since December. Playing numbers are well up on previous years, with new member numbers very strong. There are some other projects going on – Teebox signs have been refreshed with course logos and new sponsors, course directional signage (all holes) is being completed, and there have been several extensions to pathways and turning areas.

There’s a real golfing buzz at present, with Topline McCarthy Club Foursomes, Spring League, Group prep for interclub all underway. With this kind of golf momentum this early in the season, we’ll all get the most out of the good weather in spring/summer. Please look out for some brilliant developments on the food & beverage front.

Golf in 2023

We would like to remind everyone that Kenmare Golf Club is open for membership, with no joining fees and a great range of supports for new members. There are competitions for ladies, men and seniors every week, with a good club atmosphere and plenty of communication and people to play golf with. If you are interested in returning to golf or finally taking up the game, contact us at info@kenmaregolfclub.ie and we will follow up with you.

Results:

Week ending 12/2/24

Mens

Singles Stableford - (12/02/2023)

1st - Paudie Kelleher (20) - 47

2nd - Tim Twomey (20) - 43

3rd - John Barry (15) - 42 OCB

Best Senior Pat Kiely (22) - 40

Best Gross Philip Duggan (2) - 35

Ladies

15 Hole Valentine Special Sunday 12th February.

1st: Anne Murphy (35) 36pts ocb

2nd: Kathy Kelleher (37) 36pts

3rd: Maura Murphy (28) 34pts

Week ending 6/2/2023

Mixed Russian Stableford & Singles - 15 Hole Russian Stableford (2 player, stableford points multiplied)

1st - Patrick O’Dwyer/Jerry O’Sullivan - 87

2nd - Richard Flynn/Eoin Flynn - 77

3rd - Thomas O’Sullivan/Raymond Bambury - 76

Singles Stableford

1st - Patrick O’Dwyer (20) - 38

2nd - Paul O’Connor (7) - 37

Best Gross: Rory O’Sullivan (3) – 33 Gross pts (3 under par)

3rd - Micheal Munnelly (22) - 37

Best Senior: Raymond Bambury (13) - 37

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

Best Gross: Rory O’Sullivan (3) - 33

Ladies 15 Hole comp February 4th/5th.

1st: Clara Brosnan (17) 30pts. ocb

2nd: Kathy Kelleher (37)) 30pts ocb.

Week ending 22/1/22

Ladies:

12 Hole Nominate a Hole Comp Results.

1st Colette Bradshaw (14) 28pts

2nd Anne Murphy (35) 27pts

Men:

Kenmare Golf Club - Scotch Foursomes - 15 Hole (22/01/2023)

1st - Patrick O’Sullivan/Anthony Murphy (20) – 42Pts

2nd - John Joe Mahony/Ger Wallace (29) – 41Pts

3rd - Charlie Vaughan/Michael O’Brien (15) – 40Pts

Glitter and glamour at Kenmare Shamrocks GAA social

Kenmare Shamrocks social took place on February 10th in the beautiful Kenmare Bay Hotel. It was a wonderful night, enjoyed by many who came from near and far to attend with the Sam Maguire cup appearing as special guest, an enjoyable ‘questions and answers’ session with Stephen and Seanie and a special presentation to Honor Fitzgerald and Ann Duncan for all their great work throughout the years. A raffle took place also, which included a signed Kerry Jersey, and well done to our prize winners who included Noreen Riordan, Joan O'Sullivan, Tony Heffernan, Eamon ‘Ned’ O'Sullivan, and Kieran Fitzgibbon.Thank you to all that helped in making the night a huge success including the staff of the Kenmare Bay Hotel and the Dan Sweeney Band.

Kenmare Shamrocks GAA

Killarney Glass

Aluminium & PVC-u

Full Replacement of all types of Windows & Doors

Complete Service to Windows & Doors, Hinges & Locks

Fogged Double Glazed Units & Patio Wheels

&

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

To place an ad with us call Dick: 087 251 3126 kenmarenews@gmail.com

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

Reddan and Sons

Vacancies

Essential Services

Sheen Falls Lodge vacancies: Hotel Accountant

(Extensive hotel accounting experience and qualification required)

Accommodation Supervisor

Front Office Assistant/Switchboard Gardener Night Porter

Pick up and collection available from and to Sheen Falls Lodge (Morning, Afternoon and Evening)

Link to apply https://careers.sheenfallslodge.ie/jobs.aspx

Ring of Kerry Golf Course vacancies:

Manager/Mechanic - Ring of Kerry Golf Course Chef De Partie, Head Chef, Pro-Shop Assistant, F & B Assistants (Summer contracts April - October)

Link to apply https://careers.sheenfallslodge.ie/jobs.aspx

Kenmare Golf Club are hiring! Full and part time positions available Bar-waiting staff, chefs, kitchen porters

Please forward CV to info@kenmaregolfclub.com

Lime Tree Restaurant

Waiting staff full time and part time positions available

Please forward CV to Michael at thelimetreerestaurant@gmail.com