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Skal Club present Eckhard Gogsch award

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The Skal Club of Kerry in co-operation with the Irish Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at IT Tralee recently presented Michelle O’Sullivan, a first year Higher Certificate in Arts and Hotel Operations student, the 2018 Eckhard Gogsch Service and Skills Award.

Eckhard was a hugely popular personality in the local tourism trade having spent his entire life working at different levels in the industry. He was born and reared near the spectacular Lake Constance in Germany and moved to Killarney in 1968 to take up a position in the Hotel Europe as waiter. He also worked in sister hotel, The Dunloe Castle, and has lived in Killarney since then.

In the mid 1980’s, Eckhard took up a position with Fáilte Ireland, the state agency Cert and was centre manager in many of their training schools at the former Torc Great Southern Hotel, Rosslare Great Southern, Dromhall Hotel and Kenmare Bay. It was in these schools that students were prepared for careers in the tourism industry.

Students acquired a range of skills, food preparation, restaurant service, accommodation service, bar and front office as well as business operations and communications. Eckhard always stressed to students that working in the hospitality industry was rewarding and there were ample opportunities for career progression.

In addition to formal training and practical experience, Eckhard had the ability to inspire and motivate and demonstrate excellent customer skills to the students. He always used to say that a satisfied customer tells at least three people whereas an angry customer tells 3,000.

He later started a freelance tour company with his wife Patricia, bringing visitors from all over the world to Ireland and leading them on great adventures throughout the country.

Eckhard was a very active member of the Kerry Skal Club since its inception 21 years ago and the decision was made to present this fantastic award in his memory. Speaking at the ceremony, club members also expressed their hopes that his wife Patricia would be taking up the mantel.

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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