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Chamber launches campaign to help rebuild local businesses

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SUPPORT LOCAL: Paul Sherry (President of the Killarney Chamber of Commerce) and Eileen O'Donoghue (Killarney Municipal District) pictured launching a high-profile 'Shop Local' campaign and a public survey. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Michelle Crean

As Killarney town moves from the restrictions of the COVID-19 lockdown with Phase 2 of the Government’s easing of restrictions introduced this week, Killarney Chamber has launched not one – but two campaigns – to help businesses emerge from the crisis somewhat unscathed.

With the majority of businesses closed for up to two months, there’s no doubt that most have suffered an enormous impact – but that’s all set to change as the Chamber has launched a high profile ‘Shop Local’ campaign and is also appealing to the public to engage with an online survey ‘Let’s Talk About Town’ to find out what is needed for business recovery.

Last March, at the start of the lockdown, the Chamber erected a giant banner over Main Street with a very direct message to the people ‘Take care of yourselves and each other. #Love Killarney’.

Now, more than ever, ‘shop local, whenever possible’ is the key message from the Chamber, explained President Paul Sherry.

“During lockdown, we assured the people that we were with them every step of the way and that anything that could be done to assist them would be done,” he said.

“Our message now is that we are getting through this together and, with everybody’s support, there will be better days ahead in this wonderful town,” he added.

“The shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs and everybody in business in Killarney are creating jobs and ensuring families are looked after. Online shopping played a part during the COVID lockdown, but our appeal now is for people to think local and to shop local as we will all get through this together, side by side, working to make Killarney a better place to live in and to shop in.”

Inclusive voice

Meanwhile, he’s asking for people to share their views on how to better help Killarney town via the survey.

“The aim is to engage with local people living and working in Killarney about what's important to them, what they need from the business community and measures they would like to see implemented as we move towards creating a safe, progressive and inclusive Killarney. The survey will be open for two weeks; please spread the word as much as you can,” he said.

“Towns and businesses must rebuild and we want the changes in Killarney to reflect a collective and inclusive voice so that we do it mindfully and with strength. Therefore, we are encouraging as many of you as possible to please engage with us and complete the survey. We all need to rebuild together and this survey will serve as a starting point in changing the way we do business and how to better satisfy the needs of our customers, locals and visitors."

The survey can be found on www.surveymonkey.com/r/7NXCT99.

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A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

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St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

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European title for Killarney handball star

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By Con Dennehy

Killarney handball star Owen Brosnan answered Ireland’s call at the weekend with a breathtaking display at the European One Wall Tour in London.

Currow native and Spa Killarney Handballer, Brosnan took on the best players in England, Wales, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France and Israel and thanks to a superb display returned back to Kerry with a European gold medal following his phenomenal success in the Men’s C Plate competition.
Played at the Westway Sports Complex in London, more than 150 players took part in the competition on six indoor courts with Brosnan and his Killarney team colleague Tim Cronin playing 15 games over the two days. Following earlier round victories, Brosnan was paired with Tim Cronin in a Kerry dominated semifinal clash. This was an exciting high-octane game with both players producing a classic display of handball. Aces were hard fought with just one point separating both players at the end of a pulsating game. Brosnan advanced to the final on a 21-20 scoreline. “I was thrilled with my semifinal game. It was a hard-fought contest with all the training at the Spa GAA Hall helping me edge out a win. We train together and know each other strengths and weaknesses which added to the excitement of the occasion. We both teamed up in the Men’s B Plate Doubles competition reaching the semifinal where we were defeated by Matt Flapan and Gleb Spiridon, a USA/Israel combination,” said Owen.
Brosnan produced a superb display of fast paced handball in the Men’s C Plate final where his opponent was the highly fancied Josh Thomas from Wales. Using the court to his full advantage, the Killarney player produced a brilliant all-round performance to record a 21-18 victory and in the process his first major title.
“Naturally, I was delighted with the success. Both Tim and I started the sport by accident over 12 months ago when we attended an Open Family Day at Spa GAA Club. Brendan O’Donoghue, one of the founders of Spa Killarney Handball Club, was giving a demonstration of handball and invited us to try it out. We both enjoyed the experience and have been playing ever since. We are looking forward to the various domestic competitions over the coming months and really enjoy the training and fun element to the sport in the club.”

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