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Applause for Woman of the Year Eileen

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CONGRATULATIONS to Eileen Switzer who took a very well deserved bow when she received the Woman of the Year Award from the Killarney Soroptimists.

Eileen was guest of honour at the club’s Christmas party in The Gleneagle Hotel on Tuesday where was presented with the award by Killarney Soroptimists president Emer Moynihan, Clair Bowler and national Soroptimists president Teresa Irwin.

In her address to the gathering, Maura Fitzgerald highlighted Eileen’s supreme generosity and tireless volunteering for the community of Killarney. “Eileen personifies the word community with her commitment to the many organisations she has been involved with over her lifetime,” said Maura.

The eternally youthful mother and grandmother has been a mentor and friend to generations of young people in Killarney through her involvement in everything from Community Games to St Mary’s Parish Hall activities and more. “The greatest gift one can give a person is time and Eileen has surpassed all generosity in this area,” added Maura.

Modest to the core, Eileen said volunteering something she regards as “part of my life”. “It keeps you young!” she told Killarney Advertiser.

The hugely popular Killarney lady previously won national Women in Sport award and Killarney Mayor’s Award.
Eileen continues to volunteer at St Mary’s Parish Hall, where she has run the juvenile badminton club for almost 40 years. “Eileen could be known as Mrs Parish Hall!” said Maura. “Along with her fellow volunteer Sean O’Sullivan she supervises the bookings for the hall and she is known by people using the hall to have a very generous heart.”

Eileen is also very much involved with Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club, where she is lady captain, and Ross Golf Club, where she served as a lady captain in the past.

A keen promoter of the Killarney Microtrack project, Eileen also spearheads activities with the Kerry Parents & Friends group.

Eileen and her husband Frank were involved in Community Games in Killarney North and beyond for over 40 years. “They encouraged and coached hundreds of children to great success but most of all gave these young people a love of a variety of sports,” added Maura. Eileen also served on the county executive and made sure the voice of Killarney Community Games was heard nationally.
 


 
Above: Eileen Switzer receives the Woman of the Year award from Emer Moynihan, Clair Bowler and Teresa Irwin. Pic: Dylan Clifford

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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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.

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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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