Connect with us

News

Basketball legend Shane Battier enjoys Killarney visit

Published

on

H

HE MAY be an instantly recognisable sports star across America but former NBA Basketball champion Shane Battier passed through Killarney almost anonymously last week. His towering presence of 6 foot 8 inches certainly made him stand out when he visited The Porterhouse on Plunkett Street with a group of golfing friends but it is safe to assume that most of the locals there didn't have a clue who he was. Another group of Americans dining there did recognise him and alerted a staff member about the presence of a sports celebrity in the house. Despite enjoying his low-profile visit to Killarney, Shane kindly obliged to have his photo taken with Porterhouse staff members.

Shane Battier is best known for his role on the all-conquering Miami Heat team that won back-to-back NBA Championship titles in 2012 and 2013. His former teammate and friend LeBron James is a global superstar and the greatest player in the world. Other famous players on that successful Miami team included Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Ray Allen.

Battier (38) retired from a glittering NBA career after the 2014 finals. He is also well remembered for his outstanding college career at Duke University, where he led his team to the 2001 National Championship under the guidance of legendary Duke coach and USA Olympics team coach Mike Krzyzewski ("Coach K").
Unfortunately it appears that Shane had left town by the time word filtered through to many of the local basketball enthusiasts about his visit.

He is actually quite different to the average sports star and may have had some words of wisdom to offer to the news that top-flight basketball will return to Killarney later this year. Apart from his smart play on the court, Battier was once described as the most intelligent player in the NBA and even made a top ten list of the world's smartest athletes. His knowledge and skills from his playing career combine well with his current role as the Miami Heat director of basketball development and analytics.

Shane Battier definitely wasn't the first celebrity to enjoy an anonymous visit to Killarney and he certainly won't be the last. His visit is just one classic
example of Killarney's high ranking as a top global tourist destination. Hopefully the majestic scenery and wonderful hospitality that he enjoyed might inspire him to return again. He might even encourage his friend LeBron to visit!

Advertisement

News

Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

Published

on

By

The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Continue Reading

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport