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Tributes to Radio Kerry’s man in Killarney

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By Sean Moriarty

Tributes have been pouring in for legendary Radio Kerry broadcaster Séan Hurley (70) who passed away suddenly on Tuesday.

Mr Hurley was 'Radio Kerry’s man in Killarney’ and worked for the station since it opened in July 1990. Prior to that he worked for the pirate stations Kingdom 102 which was based in New Street and South West Radio on the Cork Road.

He presented Radio Kerry’s ‘Kerrywide’, a collection of stories, songs, music and poems, from all parts of the county, every Sunday night.

The Tralee native but Killarney resident walked everywhere in town and was a regular sight on the streets of Killarney. He was never off duty; his recording equipment was always in hand, and supplied breaking news to the county broadcaster as he had a canny knack of being in the right place at the right time.

His dedication to Radio Kerry went beyond broadcasting and was known to arrive to work in the early hours of the morning preparing studios for the arrival of special guests.

Séan and his colleague Dermot Moriarty shared Radio Kerry’s Killarney studio.

“It would be fair to call him the manager and caretaker of the Killarney studio even if that was not an official title,” Dermot said. “His dedication was unreal.”

Dermot said it was devastated to learn of the news just before he went on air Tuesday night.

“Radio was his life and his life was radio,” Dermot told the Killarney Advertiser. “I went to work on Tuesday night, I sat in the chair and Séan was the last man to sit in it. I unplugged his headset and plugged in my own, all his notes from Sunday night were on the desk - he left Sunday with the full intention of coming back to work.”

Politician Michael Healy-Rae was a personal friend of Séan’s.

“He had such a friendly way about him, he is what you call genuine,” the Kilgarvan TD told the Killarney Advertiser. “I extend my sympathies to his family, his Radio Kerry family and his Kerry family, because each and every one of us owned a piece of Séan.”

He was also an accomplished musician and played in several two-piece bands on the pub scene in Killarney.

Séan was the winner of a PPI Radio Award for his work, and has been nominated on numerous occasions for other awards including on Monday of this week when he was shortlisted for this year’s IMRO Radio Awards for his ‘Kerrywide’ programme.

Séan was a much loved colleague and friend to everyone in Radio Kerry,” a Radio Kerry statement said. “The Board of Radio Kerry and all staff wish to extend their sympathies to all his family at this time. His contribution to Radio Kerry and communities throughout Kerry is immeasurable.”

In accordance with Government and HSE guidelines and in the interest of public health a private funeral will take place for Séan in St Mary's Cathedral. His Requiem Mass will be live streamed on killarneyparish.com at 12.30pm tomorrow (Saturday). Burial will take place in Rath Cemetery, Tralee.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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