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Local journalist releases latest book online

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NEW BOOK: Local journalist and writer Breda Joy has released her new book ‘Under a Skellig Sky’ online on Amazon. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

 

A talented fiction writer from Killarney has released a humorous new novel, 'Under a Skellig Sky' centred around an imaginary valley overlooking the Skellig Islands.

Due to the lockdown, Breda Joy's latest work can only be released on Amazon and will hit bookshops early next year.

The local journalist tells the funny story of Carol O’Connell who returns to Kerry to recover from a broken relationship and discovers that the sleepy valley of her youth has woken up to a busier reality.

Carol’s plans for a new life before she turns 40 are disrupted by an old lover, a troubled friend, a bingo-loving Fáilte Ireland inspector and sinister outsiders.

This is the second novel from Breda, who has a three-book contract with Poolbeg Books. Her debut novel, ‘Eat the Moon’, was released in 2018. Her previous works include 'Hidden Kerry', 'The Wit & Wisdom of Kerry' and a biography of MEP Brian Crowley.

"Releasing my second novel as an ebook is just one more learning curve in these days of Coronavirus," Breda told the Killarney Advertiser.

"For instance, my friend suggested we go to the Shire Cafe for a cup of coffee outdoors to mark its arrival, so I turned that into a virtual launch with the massive attendance of three friends and the dog!"

In theses times she said that you need a sense of humour to see you through it.

"Just as well it's a romantic comedy, albeit one with an edge or a bite. I touch on rural crime and State neglect of areas such as South Kerry in between the humour."

However, currently the only way to order the paperback or Kindle version is online on Amazon, she added.

"The publisher, Poolbeg, wants to put it in the shops early next year, but you don't know what will happen. So, Amazon it is for now."

She added that she's been promoting it a lot online herself, and is getting great reaction on Facebook from people who have bought it already.

"Poolbeg is concentrating a lot of its marketing on Irish-Americans which is kind of timely because they can take a virtual trip to Kerry on the magic carpet of 'Under a Skellig Sky' while actual travel is restricted."

Her book is available from www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Skellig-Sky-Breda-Joy-ebook/dp/B088FTSX1K.

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Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service

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Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service


Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.


Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.

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Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule

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Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule


Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as part of an ambitious winter events schedule announced by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.


The legendary sprinter will take centre stage for ‘An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth’ on Wednesday, October 7 at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The complimentary discussion event, sponsored by AIB, promises an inspiring insight into the career of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting figures.
The high-profile appearance forms part of a busy lineup of upcoming gatherings designed to connect local businesses and residents across the town.
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 with a Chamber Luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel, offering members a key networking opportunity ahead of the autumn season.
Chamber leadership highlighted that the autumn and winter series continues the organisation’s core mission of bringing the local community together and showcasing Killarney as an outstanding place to live, work, and belong.

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