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New visitor plan unveiled for Skellig Coast

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FÁILTE IRELAND is looking to broaden the appeal of the iconic attraction that is the Skellig coast and today announced the formation of the Skellig Coast Tourism Network.

The tourism authority launched this visitor experience plan for the area in a bid to increase “dwell time” in the wider surrounding region and ensure that developments along the local stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way route are compelling and motivating to international visitors.

Speaking at the launch in Waterville, Orla Carroll, Director of Strategic Development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “This project is all about widening the current visitor experience from just simply being ‘a trip to Skellig Michael’ to a more immersive engagement with ‘the Skelligs experience’. This approach will generate increased visitor dwelling times and revenue as well as help increase job creation in the local area.”

This plan also sets out to protect the special environmental character of the place by spreading tourist activity more evenly across the destination, according to Ms Carroll.

Key to the success of the development of the Visitor Experience Plan was an extensive programme of consultations and workshops held locally between June and September last year.

“This inclusive approach gave everyone the opportunity to contribute to the plan and shape the visitor experiences that are unique to this area,” Ms Carroll added.

The plan will focus on a number of projects based on the following themes: journeys inspired by the history of the Skellig monks; the cradle of Ireland’s nationhood (centred on Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace); a history of global connections; and where the ocean meets the sky at the edge of the world (incorporating the ‘Dark Skies’ experience).

Central to the success of the plan will be the Skellig Coast Tourism Network which is being formally launched today. The network is an umbrella organisation for the tourism, community, business and development groups that fall within the defined catchment area and will work under the chairmanship of local Caherciveen man Frank Curran.

Fáilte Ireland worked collaboratively with key stakeholders in the area including Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP), Udaras na Gaeltachta, OPW, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Institute of Technology Tralee as well as a local working group comprised of tourism and community groups in the Skellig Coast area.

Commenting on the initiative, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council Moira Murrell said: “There is no doubt that the Wild Atlantic Way has already been a major boost to coastal areas. This Development Plan will help ensure continued growth in visitor numbers and will also help to extend the season and spread business to our smaller villages. This will result in increased profitability in hotels, guesthouses and tourism related businesses which in turn will lead to an increase in jobs.

“The Skellig Coast has always had an abundance of riches to offer the visitor. However this plan with its associated operators' workbook will now ensure consistency and an in-depth understanding in the marketplace of the key messages from the region that will help to create the unique selling points and experiences our visitors are seeking.”

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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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