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Community college builds on its strengths

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Eilish O'Leary,Killarney Community College deputy principal, and Stella Loughnane, Killarney Community College principal.

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SURPRISES were on the timetable at Killarney Community College as it opened its doors for the new school year. Not only has there been a dramatic change in class duration, but on their return to the classroom, students were greeted by a new principal as well as finding themselves enjoying much more space in the beautifully extended premises on New Road.

Stella Loughnane, who has been deputy principal for eight years, has replaced Fiona O’Brien as principal, with Fiona being seconded by the Department of Education in a leadership capacity to roll out the new Junior Cert programme.

Meanwhile the college welcomes Eilish O’Leary as new deputy principal and six new teachers in a variety of teaching capacities.

Of its impressive new extension, Stella said: “Due to growing numbers in the college we were granted four new classrooms by the Department of Education and Skills. These rooms will be fully equipped with Wi-Fi and data projectors. The parents’ council fund-raised to create a foyer or meeting space between the rooms along with a corridor out into the new wing. We have a beautiful tree on the property that was important to us to preserve so we took this into account when planning, and also designed a walled window so that the tree is now a focal point of the foyer.”

Killarney Community College is also the first school in town to move to one-hour classes. “Because of this, room for teachers and students to participate in active classroom methodologies and instructional strategies is now of paramount importance,” said Stella.

“The building was also designed to be 'future proofed' so that if we are ever fortunate enough to receive more funding in the future we will be in a position to continue this style of modern build. The college has also just completed a comprehensive renovation of all bathrooms, all are now brand new!”
 


 
Above: Killarney Community College principal Stella Loughnane, right, and deputy principal Eilish O'Leary.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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