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International media trips brought Ireland audience of one billion in 2016

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Pictured are journalists Ben Groundwater, Australia, and Riana Andrews enjoying their visit on Skellig Michael on their visit organised by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Tourism Ireland. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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LAST year was a bumper one for international media visiting Kerry and Ireland. Over 1,000 representatives from print, broadcast and online channels across the world descended on our shores during the year providing Irish tourism with an overall reach to over one billion readers and viewers worldwide.

The advertising value of this reach is estimated at over €87 million. Fáilte Ireland, together with Tourism Ireland, co-ordinated over 400 different itineraries resulting in the media representatives meeting with over 4,000 Irish businesses across the country.

Ciara Sugrue, head of international publicity with Fáilte Ireland, today stressed the importance for tourism of hosting international media: “Bringing international media to Ireland and showing them what is on offer plays an integral role in ensuring that we get our message out there - Ireland is a must-see place to visit. Whether it is high profile trips for the likes of the St Patrick’s Festival or tailored tours of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East, this work generates the type of reach and publicity that any competitive destination needs to sustain growth.”

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin were heavily profiled, as well as particular emphases on both business and food tourism. One of the key highlights of the year included a group of high profile international journalists who landed in Skellig Michael to follow in Luke Skywalker’s footsteps and see for themselves how the force was awakened.

Another highlight involved a group of European media (with a circulation of almost six million) who visited Lisdoonvarna for the Outing Festival and to document the Irish LGBT tourism experience.

Looking ahead to 2017, Fáilte Ireland will once again be working closely with Tourism Ireland to attract influential and engaging media. Ms Sugrue added: “Already, we have drawn up plans to target more media influencers during 2017. For next year, we are developing itineraries focussed on attracting those media representatives who will best put Ireland firmly on the map for millions of international travellers.”

In addition to media trips, Fáilte Ireland also works with international buyers and travel agents to showcase what Ireland has to offer. During 2016, over 1200 such buyers enjoyed familiarisation trips, workshops and networking events – all designed to increase awareness and interest in Ireland.
 


 
Above: Pictured above are journalists Ben Groundwater, Australia, and Riana Andrews enjoying their visit on Skellig Michael on their visit organised by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Tourism Ireland. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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