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Keeping up with the Gobnaits in Killarney
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FORGET about keeping up with the Kardashians, in Killarney we’ll all be striving to emulate the Gobnaits these coming weeks.
Their unique flair for fashion quickly overshadowed any interest in the red-carpet style at last night’s Academy Awards as the doughty quartet strutted their stuff on the streets of the town to make their debut as this year's unofficial mascots for St Patrick’s Festival Cill Áirne.
They were swift to dispense words of wisdom, in particular announcing details of this year’s festival. “Because Killarney has always had that global feeling, a very topical theme for St Patrick’s Festival 2017 parade is ‘Diversity’ – variety in every culture and tradition,” they stated.
Annmarie Kennelly, chairperson, St Patrick’s Festival Cill Áirne, said: “One year on from our Centenary celebrations, we thought we should celebrate our Diversity, showcasing the variety of sports, activities, clubs, musicians, dancers and everyone in our community. This is what the St Patrick’s Day Parade has always been about – honouring all the fantastic work that is done in our community and acknowledging all of their fantastic achievements.”
The festival committee is calling on all local businesses and the community to play their part. Apart from the regular festivities, the festival committee is also running the annual “Best Shop Window Display”, with Lynes of High Street taking the accolade in 2016.
Greening is always going to be a big part of St Patricks Festival ad the committee is encouraging businesses and communities to light up green for this coming St Patrick’s Festival weekend. “It would be magical if every business and commercial building took part to make us the greenest town in the land,” said Annmarie.
Keeping up with the Gobnaits: From keft, Kate O’Leary (Gobnait A), Emer Corridan (Gobnait B), Anne Marie Kennelly (Gobnait C) and Julie McGowan (Gobnait D), this year's unofficial mascots for St. Patrick’s Festival Cill Airne. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 20.
Parishioners and members of the wider community are invited to attend a special anniversary Mass to mark the local milestone. The parish will welcome Bishop Ray Browne to lead the golden jubilee celebrations.
The anniversary Mass is scheduled for 7.30pm, and refreshments will be served for all attendees immediately afterward.
Picture Caption: Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday 20th June. Photo: Sean Kelly
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.
Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
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