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Time to put the spotlight on Innisfallen

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Wicklow deer farmers are up in arms about being eaten out of house and home by deer. Now, we might have very different opinions on the referendum, but I have to take my hat off to Cllr John Joe Culloty, a member of the park liaison committee, for speaking out about the atrocious situation on Innisfallen with deer starving to death.

This was known about in other circles - and if not it was widely anticipated - but no one spoke out! An invitation from him by way of council motion last Monday to Minister Josepha Madigan to come and see the state of the National Park for herself has had a response already.

Minister Madigan, elevated to office by Leo in November, has not managed to come down to Killarney yet. She is the minister with responsibility for the NPWS and part of her department is in the plush offices in New Road. Cllr Culloty asked her to see the difficult but not insurmountable problems in the park – a call seconded by Cllr Michael Gleeson.

Mr Culloty said the Park urgently needs greater funding to help with the current shortage of staff. There are just four wildlife rangers now for the ten thousand hectares of lake, mountain and woodland and maintenance personnel have also been greatly reduced.

Calling on the minister to see for herself the deterioration of much of the Park, Mr Culloty said the value of the Park to Killarney and to the country was huge and Killarney tourism, which was worth €410 million, depended on it.

“What’s going on is unbelievable,” he said. “There is a huge issue here. It’s vitally important that the minister comes down to see for herself.”

It transpires now that the minister is concerned about the deer on the island associated with Brian Ború. This is what her spokeswoman told me on Tuesday:

“The Minister is currently finalising her diary engagements for the coming period. She is in touch with all current issues. She looks forward to visiting in person as her diary permits in the coming period. In the meantime, she has asked her senior heritage official to visit the Park and report back to her directly on the deer situation.”

Meanwhile, why has Innisfallen slipped down the ranks of attention? Maybe the dire state of the much-visited island can be taken up by our other minister, Brendan Griffin? Maybe instead of focusing so much on Dingle, and its heritage, and its roads, he can turn his attention to Killarney heritage? Innisfallen is of huge cultural value. At a time when tourists are more interested in cultural tourism, it deserves attention.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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