Connect with us

News

New appointments face a challenging future in tourism

Published

on

NEW IHF CHAIR: Bernadette Randles from The Dromhall Hotel, Killarney accepts the Chair of Office from Niamh O'Shea (outgoing), after she was elected Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation. Photo: Don MacMonagle

By Sean Moriarty

Killarney’s Bernadette Randles of Randles Hotels has this week been appointed Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF).
Other appointments at this week’s branch AGM include Emer Corridan of Cahernane House who has been appointed Vice-Chairperson, Niamh O’Shea Treasurer, and Padraig McGillicuddy of Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa, Tralee will assume the position of PRO.
It is a very proud moment for Bernadette Randles given her family’s connection to the hospitality industry in Kerry. The Randles family operate the Dromhall Hotel and the Randles Court Hotel on the Muckross Road.
With Brexit looming and the higher rate of VAT imposed on the sector since last year’s budget, she accepts she has rocky waters to navigate.
“I am delighted,” she said.
“Our family have been engrained in tourism for a long time and it’s an honour for me to take on the role,” she said. “There are always challenges and triumphs. The industry has been riding the crest of a wave for the past few years but there are stormy seas ahead and we need to navigate them. We need to be heard at national level on key issues and we have always been a strong voice in Dublin and we will continue lobby issues in our industry. A key priority is to ensure our industry remains at the heart of Government policy particularly in relation to investment in marketing and product development, attracting more visitors to the region in off peak and tackling the high cost of doing business in Ireland.”

While Brexit is a major concern for every industry in Ireland, there are many more issues directly connected to the hotel industry she hopes to address.

“The obvious issues are Brexit, economic uncertainty and a slowdown in European growth. We also face a recruitment challenge and we are going to work closely with IT Tralee and the schools to encourage children to pursue careers in hospitality. There are enormous career opportunities available in our industry and this something we are keen to get across to young people in particular considering their career options.”

She added that if she could be Taoiseach for a day she would bring the VAT rate back to nine percent.

Advertisement

News

Dr Crokes team of 2000: The reunion

Published

on

By

Recently, the Dr Crokes team of 2000, who won the Kerry senior football championship of that same year, re-united and looked back on fond memories of their glory days and that very special year when they beat An Ghaeltact in the final at Austin Stack Park.

On November 26, 2000, Dr Crokes faced An Ghaeltacht and defeated the Dingle-based side.

It was no easy task making the final for the Killarney side, despite having talent such as captain Roland Neher, Eoin Brosnan, and a 17-year-old Colm Cooper at the start of his illustrious career.

Before the final, Crokes defeated Killarney Legion (preliminary round), South Kerry (round-one), Rathmore (quarter-final), and narrowly defeated West Kerry by a point in the semi-final (1-08 – 1-07).

It was the first time An Ghaeltacht had qualified for the final, but this was no happy welcome for the Dingle side, as the Killarney-based side won their ninth title.

Like in the semi-final, Dr Crokes won by a point as they scarcely won by 1-04 – 0-06.

Despite Dara Ó Cinnéide ending the tournament as top-scorer with 3-20, he was unable to carry his Dingle side to victory with the Killarney side being superior.

Neher led his team out onto the pitch, and he inspiringly helped push his team to victory.

This ensured Harry O’Neill’s versatile and developed squad deserved every bit of praise for them.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Killarney real estate agent, DNG Ted Healy wins national award

Published

on

By

Killarney estate agent DNG Ted Healy won the DNG Branch of the Year 2025 Award in the South West Region at the DNG National Awards Ceremony which took place at The Curragh Racecourse last week.

The Awards Ceremony brought together over 150 delegates from DNG offices nationwide. It was a vibrant day of celebration and connection; while recognising excellence, dedication and professionalism across the DNG network.

From insights into the future of Ireland’s property market, to the latest developments in the DNG exclusive partnership with Hamptons International, the event delivered a dynamic mix of knowledge, innovation and inspiration.

Established in 2005, DNG Ted Healy is a recipient of previous awards, having secured the DNG Small Branch of the Year award in 2003, in recognition of its high standards of service, and extensive local property knowledge across Killarney & Co. Kerry.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ted Healy, Managing Director, DNG Ted Healy, said: “As we approach 20 years in business, it’s a real honour to see our growth and commitment to Killarney recognised. From expanding our new homes offering to embracing new technology, our focus has always been on delivering the highest standards of service while staying rooted in our community. This award is a credit to our loyal clients and the trust they continue to place in us.”

The awards continue to highlight DNG’s commitment to excellence in estate agency and recognises offices and individuals who consistently deliver results and outstanding client service.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport