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St Paul’s set for nostalgic return to Pres gym

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National League: Division 1
Scotts Lakers v Ulster University Elks
Saturday at 7.30pm
Pres Gym

 

Saturday night will be filled with nostalgia for Killarney sports fans as National League basketball returns to the Pres Gym for the first time since 2008.

With Scotts Lakers’ usual home venue, the Aura, being used as a general election count centre, St Paul’s had to find an alternate court for Saturday’s clash with Ulster University and the decision to return to the Pres is sure to prove popular with locals.

St Paul’s first played at the facility on the grounds of St Brigid’s Secondary School in the eighties and over the years it has been the site of some of the greatest moments in the history of Killarney basketball.

 

[caption id="attachment_30144" align="alignnone" width="781"] John Teahan in action for St Paul's/Kerry Spring against the Dublin Bay Vikings in the Pres Gym in October 1998. Pic: Eamonn Keogh.[/caption]

 

“The Pres Gym opened in 1984 and the Gleneagle Killarney team played National League games there from 1984 to 1987,” St Paul’s PRO Eamonn Keogh explains. “St Paul’s, playing under the Revelles and Kerry Spring banner, played senior National Cup and league games there from 1992 until 2000.

“With the formation of the Gleneagle Lakers, many National League matches took place at the INEC during the noughties, while some fixtures also went ahead at the Pres Gym until 2008.”

Coincidentally, this weekend’s fixture comes almost 25 years to the day from one of the most memorable games in the club’s storied history.

“On Saturday, February 11, 1995, St Paul's Killarney enjoyed an incredible 105-104 win over Sligo All-Stars after double over-time,” Eamonn recalls. “It was 86 points each at the end of normal time and 96 each after the first over-time.

“Match MVP Terry Smith gave a monumental performance with a huge 36 points while his American colleague Greg Ford also added 36. The team was coached by the charismatic Joe Coughlan and they also had outstanding displays from local players Pat O'Shea, Brian Clarke, Cormac O’Donoghue and James Fleming.

“Over 700 supporters filled the Pres Gym that night and the victory guaranteed promotion to the Super League.”

St Paul’s are hoping for a big crowd again this Saturday night as Killarney basketball makes its return to one of the town’s favourite sporting venues.

 

Main pic: The St Paul's/ Kerry Spring team from 25 years ago that defeated Sligo All-Stars 105-104 in the Pres Gym on February 11, 1995. Back: Brian Clarke, Joey Sheehan, Terry Smith, Greg Ford, Caoimhín O'Donoghue, Cormac O'Donoghue and Joe Coughlan (coach). Seated: Gerard Coughlan (Kerry Spring), James Weldon, Pat O'Connor, James Fleming and Pat O'Shea. Front: Patrick O'Connor and Tim O'Donoghue (mascots). Pic: Eamonn Keogh.

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Killarney sweeps county selections in national carvery awards

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Killarney has taken seven of the nine Kerry spots named as “Knorr Recommended Roast 2026” venues.

The nationwide programme, now in its third year, evaluates pubs and hotels through independent mystery diners to check carvery and roast dinner quality across the country.

Venues across Munster performed above the national average, with a combined score of 81.5% compared to the country-wide average of 80.5%.


The seven Killarney and surrounding area locations making the list include Hannigan’s at the International Hotel, the Killarney Court Hotel, and the Mill Brasserie at the Killarney Heights Hotel.

The Kerry Way Bar & Restaurant in Glenflesk also earned a recommendation, alongside the Killarney Oaks Hotel.


Two local establishments made the list for the first time this year, with the Kenmare Rooms at the Killarney Avenue Hotel and Scott’s Hotel both listed as new entries for 2026.

The remaining two county spots went to Tralee-based venues, namely the Brogue Inn on Rock Street and Gally’s on the Castlemaine Road.

To achieve inclusion in the 148 venues selected across Ireland, each establishment had to demonstrate consistent quality, portion standard, and execution in their daily roast offerings.

Jim Reeves, Customer Director Ireland at Unilever Food Solutions, noted that the results show an exceptional standard of local food and hospitality, stating that each selected venue has a long-standing reputation for serving top-notch carvery dishes.

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Resurfacing works announced for key sections of N22

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A programme of resurfacing works has been confirmed for several key sections of the N22 in and around Killarney.

The investment will involve replacing the road wearing course under the HD28 road maintenance programme to address areas impacted by high traffic volumes.

The project was confirmed at the June full meeting of Kerry County Council and covers four specific locations along the route.

Works will take place on the N22 from the Killarney Leisure Centre through the SuperValu Roundabout to the Coolcaslagh Junction, including the Lissyviggeen Roundabout.

Upgrades are also scheduled for the N22 Killarney Bypass from east of the Kilcummin Junction to the north of the Cleeny Roundabout.

Additionally, resurfacing will be carried out at Madams Hill from the Viewing Park to the north of BG Motors, as well as another section of the N22 running from approximately 1.8 kilometres south of Lawlor’s Cross up to the cross itself.

The works are currently out to tender, with responses expected back shortly. Construction is anticipated to begin in July, with the majority of the resurfacing scheduled to take place at night to minimise disruption for motorists.

The allocation has been welcomed by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae TD and Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae, who noted the importance of the corridor for commuters, tourism, and local businesses.


Deputy Michael Healy-Rae stated that the N22 is one of the most important transport corridors in Kerry and carries thousands of vehicles every day.

He added that maintaining and improving the condition of the road network is vital for road safety, tourism, local businesses, and commuters, while acknowledging Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kerry County Council for prioritising the funding.

Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae added that well-maintained infrastructure is a basic expectation for residents and visitors alike.

He said that while road maintenance may not always grab headlines, it is one of the most important investments that can be made to improve driving conditions for residents, visitors, and businesses.

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