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IT Tralee offers free hospitality programmes

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If you are currently working or considering a career in the hospitality sector, there’s never been a better time to train and upskill. Through the Springboard+ programme, IT Tralee are offering a number of free and 90% funded programmes in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Skills shortages in this sector have been identified in recent reports and the Springboard+ initiative, which up until now was targeted at unemployed people re-entering the workforce, is available to all people irrespective of their employment status.

Programmes in the hospitality sector being funded by Springboard+ at IT Tralee include: a Certificate in Culinary Arts (100% funded); a Certificate in Food and Beverage Operations (100% funded); a Diploma in Restaurant Operations Management (90% funded); and a BA (Honours) in Hotel Management (90% funded).

Speaking from IT Tralee, Vice President for Development, Research and External Engagement Bríd McElligott said: “This Springboard+ offering gives people of all ages the chance to avail of a very exciting pathway to a full and rewarding career in the hospitality sector. If you are a chef, bartender, waiter, manager, receptionist, porter, concierge or someone who would like to work in the tourism trade, we urge you to get in touch today to explore how you can increase your qualifications, in a flexible and supportive learning environment.”

Niamh O’Shea, General Manager of Killarney Park Hotel and Chairperson of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) echoes this sentiment. “Given the severe shortage of chefs at all levels, a shortage of professional front line staff in food and beverage, and the need for professional development of middle and senior managers, there’s never been a better time to upskill through a Springboard+ funded programme and avail of the wonderful job opportunities that exist in the sector,” she said.

Owner of award winning restaurant and wedding venue Sol y Sombra, Cliodhna Foley, explains why she encouraged her staff to upskill through  Springboard+ programmes at IT Tralee: “While it’s a very positive thing that Ireland is approaching full employment, it also means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain top talent. We are delighted to support two members of our management team in undertaking the Diploma in Restaurant Operations Management and Certificate in Social Media for Digital Marketing in order to ensure they continue to grow in their chosen professions and bring new ideas, creativity and practical skills that benefit the business.”

Springboard+ Programmes through the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism department at IT Tralee are delivered on a part-time basis over an academic year. For more information on all programmes including application deadlines, availability, eligibility and start dates, please contact IT Tralee’s dedicated Life Long Learning team on 066 7191701 or email lifelonglearning@ittralee.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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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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