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Hopes that ‘Light up Killarney’ will get a second chance
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EXCLUSIVE
Hopes that 'Light up Killarney' will get a second chance
By Sean Moriarty
It was supposed to be Killarney’s way of saying thank you.
Instead a yellow weather warning put an end to an ambitious project that was supposed to “Light up Killarney.”
Last Thursday night (May 22) a group of business people involved in the hospitality sector wanted to say thanks to frontline workers. The plan was to turn off business and street lights in the town centre and at 1030pm re-light the town as symbolic journey from dark times into better, brighter times.
Additionally, members of the emergency services, Garda, Fire and Ambulance were to park their emergency vehicles at strategic locations in the town – blue lights flashing. Local musicians were to stand on street corners and belt out some of their favourite tunes. The whole event was to be recorded so it could be shared on local social media platforms.
No one told the weatherman and at the last minute, the whole thing got called off – a bitter blow to those who had put so much work into Killarney’s unique way of saying thank you.
“It was very disappointing but there was no way we could run it,” one of the organisers Kelly Ann Sweeny told the Killarney. “We are going to try again, it is just a case of regrouping. It means contacting every business in town and that is no problem as there is enough of us there. We are hopeful and everyone is in favour.”
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part of the new Summer in Killarney Festival.
A spell of fine weather provided ideal conditions for the open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, hosted in the National Park venue. Attendees gathered on the lawns ahead of the main feature, with a warm-up set supplied by a SPIN South West DJ.
Organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, the NPWS, and Heineken, the event formed part of a month-long summer festival programme designed for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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