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Tributes paid to Johnny ‘Batt’ Cronin
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Tributes paid to Johnny ‘Batt’ Cronin
By Sean Moriarty
Tributes have been paid to the much loved St Brendan’s College caretaker Johnny ‘Bat’ Cronin who passed away on Monday.
He was also a star wing back and played with Spa GAA during its glory days of the early 1970s.
Johnny won seven O’Donoghue Cup medals with Spa as well as a county intermediate medal in 1974 and was member of the East Kerry divisional side that won the first All-Ireland Club Championship in 1971.
Current mayor of Killarney Michael Gleeson was a Spa GAA teammate of Johnny’s through the 1960s and 1970s.
“We were great friends and he was a loyal friend to many people,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “He was an outstanding Spa club man. Johnny was revered in the club and he will be irreplaceable to his family and wider Spa community.”
Johnny ,who was originally from the Tiernaboul area but lived in Coolcorcoran, was laid to rest on Thursday in Aghadoe Cemetery, following his funeral mass in St Mary's Cathedral.\
His working life took him from Pretty Polly, to the Torc Hotel and finally to St Brendan’s college. He was acknowledged as an outstanding tradesman was the go-to-man when homes or business needed emergency repairs.
“Such was his loyalty, that even during his illness made sure he cut the grass on the Sem playing fields and did so up to a couple of weeks ago,” added Mayor Gleeson. “He was a gifted all round trades person and had a great sense of fun, enjoyment and mimicry.”
Spa GAA club presented him witha lifetime achievement award four years ago – the highest honour possible within the club.
Spa GAA formed a guard of honour at the funeral and funeral gifts were offered by Mayor Gleeson and his life-long friend Brian Fenton, father of the current Dublin All Ireland winner of the same name.
He is survived by his wife Margaret and sons Donagh, Colm, Eoin, Cormac.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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