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Killarney is flying the purple flag high

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At Killarney Garda Station for the unveiling of the Purple Flag were from left, Paul O'Neill, Chairperson of Purple Flag Killarney Working Group, John Anthony O'Sullivan, Sergeant Ken O'Sullivan, Eileen O'Connor, Tim O'Donoghue, Assumpta Sweeney, David Fitzgerald and Sergeant Dermot O'Connell. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

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ONCE again Killarney has stepped up to the mark and retained its Purple Flag status. There was a full assessment of Killarney's night-time economy in August and the town has passed the test with flying colours. Purple Flag is the international accreditation for town centres in the evening and at night from 5pm to 5am. Like a Blue Flag, centres that achieve the required standards of 30 criteria can fly the flag.

Paul O'Neill, chairman of the Purple Flag Working Group, expressed his gratitude to a real team effort within the business and wider community: “There really was a fantastic buy-in from the whole town during the adjudication. I have to thank everyone that helped make it a successful examination.

“The assessors received a warm Killarney welcome wherever they went. Management and staff were knowledgeable and informative. We have a few little areas to work on for future improvement but that's something to work towards,” he said.

The assessors were particularly impressed with Killarney House and Gardens and remarked that it will be a major asset in offering a variety of evening services.

“It is another feather in the cap for the town and reinforces what we already know, that Killarney provides facilities, attractions and a unique atmosphere to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,” Paul added.

The Killarney Purple Flag working group is a joint initiative between the Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and Kerry County Council. Killarney is one of 18 towns in Ireland to attain a Purple Flag. The annual Purple Flag weekend takes place from 7th to 9th October and will feature a family fun day in the town centre on Saturday 8th October.

“We want to celebrate the success of retaining our Purple Flag status with everyone. It's a bit of fun for the family so we invite everyone to Main Street from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday 8th next,” said Paul.
 


 
Above: The Purple Flag team pictured with the award at Killarney Garda Station.
PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

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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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