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Rare spiders found in National Park

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By Sean Moriarty

A spider expert has found three of Ireland’s rarest breeds of spiders in Killarney National Park.

Irish arachnologist (spider expert) Myles Nolan, who recently conducted a survey - revealed over 50 spider species living in the Park – and three rare species of spider were abundant.

However, he has confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that none of the spiders, the Green Huntsman, the Eurasian Green Crab Spider and the Triangle Spider, are harmful and there’s no reason for anyone to fear them.

The Green Huntsman is restricted to the south-west of Ireland and prefers a combination of old woodland, preferably oak, and good quality wet grassland. It can be found in abundance locally in the oak woodlands of Cahnicaun and Glaisín na Marbh.

The Eurasian Green Crab Spider can be found on the foliage of both oak and yew trees near Derrycunnihy on the Moll’s Gap road and elsewhere.

A third species, the Triangle Spider, was found on many yew trees near Reenadinna in the Park and there are other sightings of this spider in County Cork.

 

“I carried out the survey from late August through to October,” Mr Nolan told the Killarney Advertiser.

“This involved collecting specimens by a number of methods including turning stones and dead wood, sifting through mosses, knocking specimens down from overhanging foliage of trees, heather and gorse, and using a sweep net to collect from grassy areas. Killarney National Park is the only place in Ireland where these spiders occur in abundance. I worked closely with the Conservation Rangers in the Park getting access to locations and they assisted with some collecting. Their knowledge was hugely helpful.”

 

 

 

 

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Spa GAA and Kerry Parents & Friends secure energy grant funding

Spa GAA and the Kerry Parents & Friends Association are among the Kerry organisations to benefit from the SE Systems Community Fund Programme 2025. Both groups have been announced as […]

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Spa GAA and the Kerry Parents & Friends Association are among the Kerry organisations to benefit from the SE Systems Community Fund Programme 2025.

Both groups have been announced as successful applicants for the national energy grant funding scheme, which supports community and sports organisations in delivering sustainable, energy-efficient projects that help reduce running costs.
The fund, launched in 2022, provides financial assistance, technical resources, and expert guidance to not-for-profit organisations working to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
For Spa GAA, the funding will go towards a full insulation retrofit of the club’s Sports Hall and Clubhouse, as well as upgrading existing floodlights to new energy-efficient LED fittings. The project follows the installation of a Solar PV system earlier this year, continuing the club’s move toward greater energy conservation.
Speaking at the official funding announcement in Cork, James Cahill of Spa GAA thanked SE Systems “for supporting the power of sport and recreation to bring people together, promote healthy lifestyles and build connections in the community.”
Spa GAA has also been selected as one of three clubs nationally to feature in SE Systems’ print media campaign promoting the Community Fund.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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