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Killarney Credit Union scoops three international awards

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IT'S been hailed on the world stage as a "powerhouse of social enterprise" and Killarney Credit Union can take a well-deserved bow after it received three international awards for excellence.

The accolades were presented by the International Credit Union Leadership Development and Education Foundation at an awards ceremony in Bloomsbury, London, on Saturday.

Killarney was the category winners in the Edward Filene Credit Union Awards for Excellence – Great Britain and Ireland. It was the outright winner in the category “Engaging in community outreach and mobilisation” and in the category “Serving as a financial incubator for seed, small and medium sized businesses”. Not only that, it was the runner-up in the category “Use of the Media”.

Pat Delaney, chairman of Killarney Credit Union, said: “We are honoured to be recognised for our efforts as a credit union by a panel of international business and credit union experts. The adjudication process was comprehensive in nature and it is wonderful to be recognised for credit union excellence in both the UK and Ireland.”

Previous winners of the Edward Filene Awards were Glenamaddy Credit Union in Galway, but there has been no other Irish credit union winner since 2011. In attendance were representatives from credit unions throughout the world.

The guest of honour and keynote speaker was Marlene Shiels, OBE, FCIBS (Hon), I-CUDE, chief executive officer of Capital Credit Union Ltd, Edinburgh, who has recently been invested with the “Order of the British Empire” (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen; it is believed she is the first credit unionist to be so honoured.

In presenting the award for Performance Excellence for a Credit Union serving as a financial incubator for seed, small and medium enterprises operated by credit union owner-members, the judge stated: “Killarney Credit Union is a powerhouse of social enterprise and community social and economic empowerment, passionate evangelists for what they do, and so has become the winning credit union for performance excellence in lending to owner-members to develop their businesses.”

Accepting the awards were Pat Delaney, chairman, Killarney Credit Union, Stephen Darmody, financial controller, and Helen Courtney Power, business development officer.
 


 
Above: Helen Courtney Power, Killarney Credit Union, accepting the awards on behalf of Killarney Credit Union in the Edward Filene Credit Union Awards for Excellence – Great Britain and Ireland, from Marlene Shiels, OBE, FCIBS (Hon), I-CUDE, chief executive officer of Capital Credit Union Ltd, Edinburgh.

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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