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Battle lines drawn in war on rhododendron

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KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK welcomed a variable army of visitors from across Ireland to wage war on the rhododendron scourge this week.

As Killarney Advertiser has highlighted in its campaign this year, invasive rhododendrons, whose unconstrained growth is a danger to flora and fauna, threaten the Park's natural beauty and delicate ecosystems.

November has seen the National Park teaming up with Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and Irish Men’s Shed Association and Haven Pharmacy to help protect a vital part of Ireland’s natural heritage.

The initiative, which was spearheaded by Killarney pharmacist Finbarr Kennelly, saw 45 members of Men’s Sheds across Ireland get into action with local volunteers, including the Killarney National Park Mountain Meitheal, from Sunday until Wednesday.
Through the generosity of Killarney Chamber and hoteliers, all those attending were accommodated and fed for the duration of their stay in Killarney.

Paul O’Neill, president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, said
“It is easy to see Killarney as a successful tourism town, but at its heart are communities of people who work together tirelessly to protect and enhance the National Park.”

 


 
Above: Volunteers tackling rhododendron this week. Pic: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Diabetes expert Dr Omer Taha to address local health meeting

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Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Omer Taha from the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming HeartBeat meeting on June 30.

The meeting will commence at 8pm in the Parish Centre on Park Road.

Dr Taha will speak about Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2, detailing all diabetes-related complications.

The talk will be followed by a question and answer session, alongside tea, coffee, and biscuits. Special informational booklets from Diabetes Ireland, focused on living well with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, will also be available on the night.

All are welcome to attend.


The announcement follows last month’s meeting, which focused on the Kerry Stroke Support Group. Guest speaker Stephanie Stretton delivered a talk on stroke aftercare, recovery, and the health and wellbeing needs of survivors.


A key piece of advice highlighted was that anyone suffering a stroke while away from home in the countryside should call 112, as emergency services can track the phone location immediately to save valuable time.


The Kerry Stroke Support Group continues to hold its monthly meetings on the last Thursday of each month at the Baile Mhuire Day Centre in Tralee.


Meanwhile, HeartBeat recently received a generous financial boost. Paul Sherry, Manager of the Killarney Outlet Centre, successfully applied to the Pavers Annual Charities Funding Event on behalf of the group. As a result, Pavers London has donated £1,000 sterling, equivalent to over €1,200.

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National award for Liam O’Connor’s family band

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Killarney accordionist Liam O’Connor and his family band have won the Family Band of the Year award at the 2026 Irish Entertainment Awards.


The star-studded ceremony took place on June 18 at the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran, County Donegal.


The annual event brings together musicians, performers, and personalities to recognise outstanding achievements across the Irish entertainment industry.


O’Connor said he was delighted and honoured to receive the accolade. During the event, the local musician shared the stage with a line-up of performers including singer Simon Casey and actor Patrick Bergin.

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