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Ballyvourney school reunion sparks Irish language debate

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REUNION: Former students from Colaiste Iosagain, Ballyvourney at a special past pupils reunion in Scott’s Hotel, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

 

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Past Kerry-based pupils of Coláiste Iosagain in Ballvourney County Cork met in Killarney this week for a reunion.

 

The college, which was first opened in 1933, was purpose built to revive the Irish language in the early years of the State. The school was familiar to many people throughout Munster and further afield as an educational establishment up to its closure in 1989.

 

This week’s two day reunion was organised by former Fine Gael councillor Johnny ‘Porridge’ O'Connor and Gerard Doyle.

 

The boarding school is still a major landmark on the Cork to Killarney road, midway between Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera. While there was no official reason for the reunion, many who attended Monday’s golf classic at Dook’s Golf Club and Tuesday night’s dinner at Scott’s Hotel would have entered the school between 1959 and 1969.

[caption id="attachment_28587" align="aligncenter" width="600"] SCHOOL REUNION: Tony McSweeney, Mickey 'Ned' O'Sullivan, Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson and Michael Moriarty at the Colaiste Iosagain, Ballyvourney past pupils reunion in Scott's Hotel, Killarney on Tuesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh[/caption]

 

Many of the students went on to become well-known public figures in either political or sporting circles and included Kerry football legend Mickey ‘Ned’ O’Sullivan and current Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson.

 

“The school was established to ensure high standards of fluency in Irish, many would have gone on to be teachers and this ensured that Irish was taught at a high-level in national schools,” Mayor Gleeson told the Killarney Advertiser.

 

Gleeson, a keen supporter of the Irish language, will put a motion before Kerry County Council on Monday next, asking if a Erasmus programme, similar to the one where Irish students study in Europe for a given period, could be introduced here.

 

“As the Constitution of Ireland in Article 7 states that Irish is the national language and the official language it is imperative that the primary teachers of the country have excellent oral competence to teach the language effectively,” it states in his motion. “To confirm this I am asking the Government to establish a foundation based on the Erasmus Scholarship, to the Gaeltacht for a year, for the teaching subjects."

 

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.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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