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Local pharmacy steps 163 years back in time

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By Michelle Crean

One local business has stepped 163 years back in time this week – by digging out some very old antiques to put on public display.
Sewell’s Pharmacy on High St, Ireland’s oldest family run pharmaceutical business, has added a very unique look to their windows with the addition of some of the original equipment used over the last five generations.
Included is a prescription book from 1932, a Materia Medica book from 1935, the Sale of Poisons and the Practice of Pharmacy Acts book from 1938 and the British Pharmacopoeia from 1953. There’s also many older instruments including glass bottles and equipment which date further back. And it’s creating a very interesting talking point in the town.
However, the items can’t stay too long as they are so old that they could get damaged by the light over time.
The business was originally opened in New St in 1856, then moved to the corner of number 1 High St in 1885. Later, in 1968, it was extended into number 2 with the purchase of the premises next door, Ian Trant who now runs the pharmacy told the Killarney Advertiser.
“My great-great-grandfather John Sewell opened the business in 1856, then his son John took over, followed by his son Jack, then Jack’s son John, who died in a car crash in 1962. Then my mother Mary Sewell took over. She married my father John Trant, who was an engineer with Kerry County Council, based in Killarney.”
Ian, who is a trained pharmacist is married to pharmacist Sylvia Kelleher who also works in the shop.
In 1987, Ian returned home to Killarney from Dublin, where he had been living for some time and took over the running of the pharmacy.
“My grandfather Jack was also married to a pharmacist, Evelyn Hoy, whose 1922 certificate is in the window,” Ian explained.
All the old antiques are stored upstairs above the pharmacy, he added, and some are with Paul Curtis in Muckross House.
“Maybe in time I’ll donate them to the national museum or whoever is interested in them.”

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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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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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