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One of the standout highlights is Style Stakes Sunday on 1st June, featuring the Best Dressed Lady Competition with a total cash prize of €1,000. Judging this year’s style is internationally renowned Designer to the Stars, Dr. Don O’Neill. The winning lady will receive €500, and the two runners-up will each receive €250, along with stylish gift bags from McGuire’s Pharmacy and
bespoke earrings from Inish Designs. Judging begins on course at 2pm, with winners announced in the parade ring after the fifth race. The festival features two days of National Hunt racing (Saturday and Monday) and Flat racing on Sunday. Key races include the €18,000 Anglo Printers Mares Hurdle (Saturday), the €25,000 Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden (Sunday), and the €23,000 Racing TV Handicap Hurdle (Monday).
For families, Sunday also offers free children’s entertainment, including face painting and a bouncing castle, making it the perfect day out for all ages.
Tickets are great value at €15 online (save €5) via www.listowelraces.ie. Admission at the gate is €20, and children under 12 go free when accompanied by an adult. Group discounts are also available. This is the first of two annual meetings at the scenic Listowel Racecourse, with the 7-day Harvest Festival scheduled for 21st–27th September 2025.
For hospitality bookings on Ladies Day, email sales@excellentchoice.ie or call 021 4319398. Follow #listowelraces on social media for updates and announcements.
Excitement is building across Kerry as the Kingdom County Show gears up for its biggest celebration yet — a milestone 75th anniversary event set to take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025 in Ballymacthomas, Tralee.
The official launch was held at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, where guests, supporters, and local dignitaries gathered to reflect on the show’s rich history and look ahead to a vibrant weekend of festivities. The evening was made even more special by the attendance of the glamorous Kerry Roses, who added sparkle and charm to the occasion. This year’s show promises two days packed with entertainment for all ages — from livestock competitions, equestrian events, and a dog show, to vintage tractors, local crafts, and
a petting farm for the little ones.
Visitors can also enjoy live music, interactive displays, and tasty food trucks, making it a must-visit event for families, farmers, and fun-seekers alike.
In a heartfelt addition to the festivities, this year’s show will support the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, a charity helping families of seriously ill children who dream of becoming Gardaí. The show aims to raise funds and awareness for this worthy cause throughout the weekend.
Speaking at the launch, Show Chairperson Michael Costello shared:
“Celebrating 75 years is a remarkable achievement. This show represents the heart of our community, and we’re proud to honour that legacy
while supporting such a meaningful charity.”
With thousands expected to attend, the Kingdom County Show 2025 is set to be a spectacular celebration of Kerry’s culture, community, and countryside. So gather the family, grab your
wellies, and head to Ballymacthomas this May for a weekend of memories, magic, and more!
Enquiries: Shannon O’Mahony, Secretary kingdomcountyshow@gmail.com 087 690 6104
: Sinead Allen, Chutehall about to drive the 35 Ferguson System Tractor that was Hand Made by Norman Blennerhassett, Ballymacelligott
: Patsy Hehir, Doon, driving a 1906 Steam Engine to send a belt to drive also a high powered Stone Crusher Engine at Ardfert Service Quarry and this was demonstrated at Maurice Collins Vintage Rally on Easter Sunday.
Kingdom garden centre, located within Fairtree Village, Ballyseedy, Tralee, Co. Kerry, is a vibrant destination for gardening enthusiasts. The centre offers a wide range of plants, shrubs and indoor plants, catering to both the novice and seasoned gardener. At Kingdom Garden Centre we are proudly rooted, community-focused destination for all things gardening. Fairtree Village has a spectacular
building which allows us the curated selection of indoor plants. The indoor selection is a lush of greenery, featuring everything from low maintenance succulents and airpurifying foliage to elegant orchids and statement houseplants.
Our focus is to teach about the importance of indoor plants and the health benefits they give. As part of our school tours initiative, we are doing our part at Fairtree Village for the environment to provide a handon gardening experience. During the visit they will learn about grow your own and oxygenating plants.
Retailers/ Shops and Hotels in Tralee
can avail of our potting service for all summer hanging baskets and window boxes, we are helping offices/Hotels become carbon neutral with live oxygenating plants.
Set within the welcoming atmosphere of Fairtree Village, the centre blends traditional values with modern style. Whether you’re starting from scratch, reviving a tired patch, or just browsing for something beautiful, Kingdom Garden Centre is the perfect place to grow your garden- indoors and out.
The Sound Of Music 60th anniversary
The Opus ‘96 Chamber Choir will present a special fundraising concert in aid of St John’s Parish on Sunday, April 27th at 7:30pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rathass, Tralee.
This year’s concert will celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music (1965–2025) with a beautiful selection of songs from the beloved musical. The programme
will also include Songs of the Sea and traditional Irish airs, promising a varied and uplifting evening of music. Under the direction of Martina Ryan Murphy, the talented members of Opus ‘96 will bring their signature blend of harmony and emotion to a performance that supports a worthy cause while celebrating timeless music.
Tickets are €15 and available at the door, from choir members, and at St John’s Pastoral Centre on Castle Street.
Don’t miss this wonderful evening of music in support of the parish and community!
from Free Insurance Scheme – Tralee Included
A major boost for Tidy Towns groups across Ireland has been announced with the launch of a new partnership between Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Insurance and Ireland’s 31 local authorities. The scheme will eliminate insurance costs for local authority-backed Tidy Towns groups, including Tralee Tidy Towns, allowing them to redirect funds and focus fully on community improvement. There are over 1,000 active Tidy Towns groups nationwide, and insurance has long been a financial burden. With this new initiative, nearly 700 groups have already been enrolled, and more will follow in the coming weeks.
Minister of State Robert Troy praised the move, stating that the partnership is a significant example
of the Government’s ongoing insurance reform, helping sectors like hospitality and community groups access coverage. He commended IPB and local authorities for their innovative approach to supporting volunteers who play a key role in enhancing towns and villages. Anna Marie Delaney, Chair of the County and City Management Association, highlighted the value of the Tidy Towns competition and welcomed the removal of the administrative burden of insurance. Now, local groups like Tralee Tidy Towns can focus on beautifying their communities without the stress of paperwork or costs.
John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, emphasized the power of collaboration: “This initiative
supports those doing so much for their communities on a voluntary basis.”
This national rollout demonstrates the power of collective action and ensures that groups such as Tralee
Tidy
have more resources to continue their vital work. For more information, contact your local authority or visit IPB Insurance.
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO LAUNCH OUR DELICIOUS NEW MENU AT BURROWS BAR & RESTAURANT.
Just some samples from our menu:
To Start?
Why not try the Smoked Ham & Gubeen Croquette
Maybe a Sandwich?
Try our Pulled Pork w/ smoked BBQ sauce
And the Mains?
Its gotta be our Roast of the Day or Linguine Pil Pil
Or from the Grill?
Just sample our Venison Burger or Loughnanes Pork Sausage
And to finish?
Mississippi Mud Pie or Baked Cheesecake ...sure try both!
Serving from 12.30pm every day
We recently noticed that people were commenting about the fact that the lovely benches at the entrance to Tralee Town Park , near Parkgate Coffee , have disappeared . So we contacted Jack Boyle , owner of Parkgate Coffee ....here’s what he said ..
“We were very disappointed to see the recent removal of the public benches from outside the park gates on Prince’s Street.
These benches provided a welcoming spot for residents, shoppers, and visitors to rest, meet, and enjoy our town. Many of our customers and local residents have also expressed their disappointment in the removal of this great
amenity. B elieve small things like this make a big difference in encouraging people to spend time in our town centre, and we hope the council will reconsider this decision or explore alternative ways to support public seating in the area. ¨
Sincerely Jack Boyle , Parkagate
Coffee”
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis — a gentle shepherd who led the global Church for the past twelve years. From the moment he chose the name Francis, he set a tone of humility, peace, care for the poor, and love for creation. He was a constant voice for environmental justice, alerting us to the “Cry of the Earth” and the “Cry of the Poor,” calling us to cherish our common home. Pope Francis was a champion of mercy and a tireless advocate for the marginalised. In both word and
deed, he lived the Gospel, bringing hope and compassion to people worldwide. On Easter Sunday, his final day with us, he reminded us:
“Hope is no longer an illusion… Thanks to Christ… hope does not disappoint!”
I pray he now knows the fullness of that hope — eternal life with God. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may he rest in peace.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Our Lady Queen of Heaven, pray for him.
+Ray Browne
Bon Secours Hospital Tralee has announced a new partnership with Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) to launch MenoWell Kerry, a free online lifestyle programme designed to support women through the menopause journey. Delivered by EduFIT, the six-week course begins on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, and is open to women across Kerry. This initiative marks the first time MenoWell will be available in Kerry, following its success in other counties, where over 3,000 women have already participated. The programme focuses on perimenopause and post-menopause health, offering expert-led online exercise classes and educational workshops to improve physical, emotional, and occupational wellbeing.
EduFIT’s evidence-based approach combines practical health education with accessible, time-efficient activities that can be done from home. The programme is designed for women of all fitness levels and aims to enhance knowledge of menopause and related chronic conditions while promoting longterm wellness.
Daragh Devane, Occupational Health Advisor at Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, welcomed the collaboration, stating: “We’re proud to support this initiative that offers women in Kerry reliable, practical guidance to manage midlife health
challenges.”
Maeve Ryan of KRSP highlighted the importance of making such resources accessible: “Bringing MenoWell to Kerry ensures local women can benefit from this impactful programme.”
EduFIT Founder and CEO Dr Diane Cooper shared her enthusiasm: “With over 3,000 participants so far, we’ve seen incredible outcomes. MenoWell provides real, positive changes in women’s health, and we’re excited to continue expanding its reach.”
MenoWell Kerry is fully funded
Early arrivals at Tralee for the Kerry Sinn Féin Easter commemorations on Sunday were Dave Clifford,Mike Gallagher,Mike Mulvihill, Moss Hannon,Mike Falvey and Bagpiper Con Houlihan.Photo Moss Joe Browne.
James Finnagan has been awarded the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, the highest level of education achievement from Toastmasters International. It recognises a commitment to leadership, public speaking and effective communication at local, regional and national levels.
Friday 9th May, 2025
8.30am - 11am
MTU Kerry North Campus
A networking event for companies, community groups, and the general public. Browse and connect with our departments, staff and students.
On the day:
STEM, Sustainability and Virtual Reality demos and workshops.
This event will be of interest to:
Companies / businesses / community groups interested in research and innovation.
Anyone considering upskilling options through lifelong learning/part time learning.
Complimentary grab and go breakfast - bring your own coffee cup as MTU is single-use cup free campus. Reusable cups are €2 which is a refundable deposit.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Kerry Sinn Féin held a commemoration in Tralee to mark the 109th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. The event began with a march from the Pikeman Monument on Denny Street to Rath Cemetery, where a ceremony took place honouring Ireland’s patriot dead.
Kerry Sinn Féin Chairperson Daithí Fitzgerald chaired the event, which featured the reading of the 1916 Proclamation by Councillor Deirdre Ferris and the Roll of Honour by Councillor Paul Daly. Wreaths were laid by Pa Daly TD, on behalf of Kerry Sinn Féin, and Jimin O’Shea. In his opening remarks, Fitzgerald reflected on the enduring struggle for a republic built on justice, equality, and sovereignty. He spoke of a generation politicised
by economic hardship, mass emigration, and political failure, and criticised Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for neglecting both the North and working-class communities in Kerry.
The main oration was delivered by Danny Morrison, former Sinn Féin Director of Publicity and author, who paid tribute to generations of Irish republicans and highlighted the potential of the Good Friday Agreement as a path toward a united, inclusive Ireland.
“A new Ireland must be a pluralist nation,” he said, “one that includes all communities, including the new Irish, and truly cherishes all the children of the nation equally.”
Morrison also criticised the Irish Government for its lack of action on national unity, urging the current generation to be the one that delivers Irish reunification.
for Kerry under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund
Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry T.D Norma Foley has welcomed confirmation of a €206,532.15 grant for two projects in Kerry under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund.
The successful applicants in Kerry are as follows:
• Castleisland Castle€99,545.90
• Killagh Priory, Milltown -
€106,986.25
The Community Monuments Fund supports a range of initiatives to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and
historic sites. This investment safeguards monuments for the benefit of communities and the public. It does so by enabling conservation works and repairs as well as building resilience through protecting monuments from the effects of extreme weather and climate change. The scheme also encourages public access and improvements to the presentation of local monuments.
Minister Foley said: “The funding announced for these two key projects will seek to protect and enhance our rich heritage for present
by
The sod has officially been turned on the new €1.3 million Water Sports Facility at Fenit, County Kerry. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Kerry County Council, this best-in-class outdoor tourism amenity aims to enhance the visitor experience and serve as a central hub for outdoor activities in Fenit.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh
and future generations.
The Community Monuments Fund is a wonderful source of funding to preserve community monuments in our local areas. I wish to sincerely thank Kerry County Council for their excellent work in moving these projects forward. Thanks also to my
Wednesday Tralee Pipeband Hall (Garvey's Supervalu Carpark), Tralee - 7:30am, 9:00am, 5:30pm and 7:00pm Sharons Slimming World 089-2201599
Thursday Meadowlands Hotel, Oakpark, Tralee 9:00am, 10:30am, 5:30pm and 7:00pm
Friday Meadowlands Hotel, Oakpark, Tralee 7:30am, 9:00am and 10:30am Noras Slimming World
27TH APRIL
Selected as New York Times Critics Pick following their off-Broadway debut, Malaprop Theatre presents its Irish tour of this fast-paced, award winning production. A poignant intergenerational story of love, loss and legacy set on an Arctic cruise ship, it takes you on a journey to bid farwell to the icecaps.
Tickets €21/19
Join Declan Nerney and his live band for a nostalgic evening of music, song and laughter as he brings you through your favourite showband and country music tunes.
Tickets €27
6TH
Join the iconic Ralph McTell as the masterful storyteller behind the classic 'Streets of London', brings you on a journey through this folk music career spanning five decades. Bringing his warm voice, intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics to life for an intimate live performance, celebrating his extraordinary musical journey.
Tickets €34
(Film Screening)
Join us for our first daytime film screening as part of the Siamsa Film Club series. Directed by Pat Collins, this Irish film, adapting John McGahern's final novel, follows a year in the life of a rural Irish community in this beautiful and sensitive depiction of life's simplicities and connections we make on the way. Tickets €8
KERINS O’RAHILLYS GAA NOTES
Senior Men
Our Division 1 clash vs Beaufort is rescheduled for Sat, May 3rd at 7pm in Strand Road. Next up: Round 5 vs Dr Crokes in Lewis Road. Keep an eye on our socials for fixture updates.
Division 6
A strong win over Milltown/ Castlemaine (4-15 to 1-6) saw goals from Sam McCarthy, Gearóid Meehan, and Odhran Kerins. Next up: Tuosist away.
Academy
No academy this weekend – back Sunday, April 27th at 10am. Hope everyone had a great Easter!
Juvenile Boys
U14s: Mixed week — a tough loss to Milltown (2-7 to 4-12) followed by a superb win over Firies (4-11 to 0-18). U16s: Suffered their first defeat to Castlegregory/St Pats (3-14 to 0-8) but showed strong second-half effort. Minors: Despite scoring 6-15, the lads fell to Castlegregory (9-12). Next game: St. Mary’s, April 21st at 6pm.
Fixtures
April 22: U14s vs Austin Stacks (6 & 7pm)
April 23: U10 Go Games vs Castleisland Desmonds, 6:30pm April 23: U16 Girls vs Austin Stacks, 7pm
Ladies Football
U12s: Great team performance vs Churchill.
Minors: Impressive 3-10 to 0-7 win over Scartaglen — excellent teamwork and skill throughout.
JOHN MITCHELS CLUB NOTES
Membership 2025
Membership is now closed. Thank you to everyone who registered — here’s to an exciting year ahead!
Juvenile Academy
U6s – Sunday Funday
Our U6 boys and girls enjoyed a wellearned Easter break from training. Happy Easter to all!
U8 & U12 Boys
Both age groups took a deserved break for the Easter Bank Holiday. U12s are encouraged to keep practicing at home ahead of training this week.
U16 Girls
The U16s had two competitive sessions this past week. Training continues Monday and Thursday.
TRALEE PARNELLS HURLING & CAMOGIE CLUB
Academy Training
Academy training for U6–U12s continues every Friday at Caherslee (V92X025), with U6s & U8s from 6–7pm. New players always welcome! Hurleys and helmets provided for the first few weeks.
Yes/No Gameshow
We had a great response to our Gameshow! The prize fund is now
€300. The first question – “Will Cork score more than two goals against Clare?” – caught many out, eliminating over half the entries.
Match Updates
U12 Hurling: Two spirited games vs. Crotta in Caherslee. Thanks to Donnacha and Conor for refereeing.
U13 Camogie: Strong effort in their first game vs. Killarney/Ceann Mara. Thanks to Cloe for refereeing.
U15 Féile na nGael: Hard luck to our team who lost the Division 2 County Final to Ballyduff.
Junior Camogie: Great work rate in the new 9-a-side league vs. Causeway. Congrats to Causeway and thanks to Mike Hennessy and Kerry Camogie.
Senior Hurling: Lost to Crotta (0-11 to 0-18). Next game away to Abbeydorney, Friday 25th at 7pm.
Membership
Still open on foireann.ie. Contact Kieran (086 283 5906) or Lynda (087 282 0448) for help.
Equipment Recycling
Donate old hurleys, helmets, or skorts: contact Suzanne (087 2959166).
AUSTIN STACKS NOTES
County League Division 1
Dr Crokes 0-15 – Austin Stacks 1-12
Austin Stacks remain unbeaten after a hard-fought draw away to Dr Crokes. Cian Purcell scored the game’s only goal, reacting fastest to a rebound. Stacks led 1-4 to 0-6 at half-time. The second half saw end-to-end football with standout scores from Michael O’Donnell, Jack O’Shea, and Sean Óg Brosnan. Despite being reduced to 14 men late on, Crokes held on. Both sides now sit near the top of Division 1.
Upcoming Fixtures
Div 7B: Spa Killarney B v Austin
Stacks C – Fri, Apr 25th, 7pm
Div 1: Glenbeigh/Glencar v Austin
Stacks – Sun, Apr 27th, 2pm
Div 5: Austin Stacks B v Lispole – Sun, Apr 27th, 2pm
GAA For All – Volunteers Needed We’re seeking volunteers to support our inclusive GAA For All programme. One hour a week makes a big difference. Contact: childrensofficer. austinstacks.kerry@gaa / 0861053300
New Club App
Stay updated with our new Clubforce Connect app. Search “Austin Stacks” and click follow.
Championship Draws
Senior Club Championship: Austin Stacks drawn with Na Gaeil and Templenoe.
U21 Ask Acorn: Stacks to face Laune Rangers away in Round 1.
ST PATS GAA NOTES
Dingle Way Challenge 2025
Join us Sunday, June 1st for the Dingle Way Challenge! Two scenic routes available: 20km from An Ghaeltacht
GAA to Cloghane or 45km Ultra via Pilgrim Route. Early bird now open: www.stpatsgaaclub.com/dwc
Community Events
First Responders Info Evening: April 30th, 7:30pm, Curraheen Church Room – with CPR demos and guest speakers.
Community Games Fundraiser: Support new gear for Blennerville/ Ballyard kids via GoFundMe – search “Gear Up Our Team”.
Juvenile Academy
Great Easter weekend fun! Training continues Sundays at 10am.
U6s: Big thanks to the Easter Bunny! Players of the week: Ciara & Luca. U8/U10 Girls: Skills and relay fun –well done Evanya (U10) & Siún (U8).
U10 Boys: Great session topped off with chocolate surprises.
U12s: Impressive performance vs Beale. Keep up the home practice!
U14 Boys: Match vs Churchill, Tues April 22nd.
U16 Boys: Lost narrowly to Na Fianna, beat Kerins O’Rahillys with standout efforts from Jake Kelly, Stephen Enright & Rodhan Culloo.
U16 Girls: Face Shannonside/Tarbert on April 27th.
Seniors
St Pats lost 3-08 to 1-19 against Currow. Round 5 vs Annascaul, April 27th, 2pm.
Congrats
To Kieran & Alison on their wedding, and Phena & Padraig on their engagement.
NA GAEIL NOTES
Munster Success
Congrats to Damien Bourke and the Kerry seniors on their Munster semifinal win over Cork, and to Avril Doyle and the Kerry U16s for their thrilling extra-time win in the Munster final (2-14 to 2-13).
Senior Men – Division 3
Na Gaeil lost narrowly to Brosna after a tightly contested game. Goals from Jamesie O’Connor and strong midfield work by Stefan Okunbor stood out. Final score: Brosna 2-13, Na Gaeil 2-12.
Senior Men – Division 7B
Our B team drew with Kilcummin B in a high-scoring clash: 4-16 to 5-13.
Ladies Football
Best of luck to Deirdre, Mary, Jadyn and Mark in their Munster tie vs Cork. Our senior ladies play Scartaglen on Sunday in Round 5 of the Donal Curtin Cup.
Juvenile & Underage Fé6s continue next Sunday. U15s bowed out in the Féile semi-final. Minors lost to Ardfert/St. Pats and face Annascaul/Lispole next. Girls U8–U12 train Sundays. Cúl Camp: July 14–18.
Fixtures
Senior men face Ballydonoghue (Apr 27). Full fixture lists available online. Community & Club Updates New website live: www.nagaeil.ie. Cycle club meets Saturdays at 9am. Hall hire, Sky Sports, card nights, and more available at the clubhouse. Seanfhocal
Beatha teanga í a labhairt – Keep the language alive!
BALLYMAC GAA CLUB NOTES
Senior Men – County League
Our Senior B team claimed a strong 4-12 to 1-8 win over Clounmacon in Division 7 last Friday. Eoin Leahy’s impact and the resulting penalty turned the tide. Jonathan Brick impressed, while Sky Lynch and Jack Tobin added energy. Michael Herlihy performed well in goals. Wishing Luke Griffin a speedy recovery. Next up: Ballydonoghue B.
On Sunday, our Senior A team drew 1-16 to 0-19 with Kilcummin in a thrilling Division 1 clash at Caherslee. Adam Sheehy earned our Halfway MVP for his midfield dominance. Daire Keane’s crucial 2-pointer and strong showings from Jack Joy and Donal Daly (who hit the crossbar) kept us in it. A late effort from Mairtin McGivern went wide. Next fixture: Spa (away).
Ladies Football
Congrats to Vinny Horan, Denis O’Reagan, and the Kerry U16 A team on their Munster Final win over Cork! Commiserations to Jamie Lee O’Connor and the Kerry Minors—best of luck in the upcoming final. Well done to our U14s on their Munster B Championship victory!
Paddy