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Ploughing on for a top day out

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THE deluge the day before failed to dampen spirits as thousands filed through the turnstiles at the South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show in Fossa recently.

Granted, we stepped out in everything from hiking and biker boots to wellies, but it only added to the sense of occasion.

So established is the event now that one visitor from Killorglin compared it to Ireland’s oldest festival, Puck Fair, and with a glint in his eye added that the only way it could be improved on for him would be through the addition of an onsite bar.

Despite the torrential downpour on Saturday, dozens of volunteers rallied to the cause to ensure the venue at Fleming’s Farm in Fossa, was ready for the influx. “The volunteers drove it over the line and we are so hugely thankful to them,” said Tom Leslie, chairman, Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club, which organises the event.

The big winners on the day, of course, were the four charities to benefit – the Irish Kidney Association, Down Syndrome Kerry, the Irish Pilgrimage Trust and the Kerry-Cork Health Link Bus – and since its inception, the event has now raised in excess of €100,000 for local organisations.

The show was officially opened by Killorglin student Jack Nagle, who made his mark at the Young Scientists Exhibition with his invention of a lifesaving tractor safety lock which has won several awards.

A big attraction this year was that the event incorporated the National Rally of the Irish Vintage Society, and this year’s show also featured a round of the Irish Tractor Pulling Championships which was a great spectacle.

The winner of the most stylish woman was Susan Moriarty-O’Callaghan from Kilcummin who caught the eye of celebrity judges Gavin O’Leary, who was the best dressed man at the Killarney Races in July, entertainer Jack Patrick Healy and gentleman farmer Sean O’Donoghue.
 


 
Above: Ava, Leah, Hugh, Luke and Dairmaid O'Malley enjoying the South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show.

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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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