News
Magical Christmas experience to benefit local groups
EXCITEMENT: Ryan Lynch and his friends will run a sweet shop at The Killarney Christmas Tree Farm which promises a magical Santa experience for all.
By Michelle Crean
Santa Claus is coming to town - and to help keep him safe, he'll be in a special "bubble" - but is excitedly getting ready to meet local children.
The elves have worked their magic and are bringing the man in red to Killarney before he gets too busy in his workshop making toys.
Tonight (Friday) from 6pm he is planning a trip from Killorglin in a special red open top Mercedes and will make his way to Beaufort where he will pass by slowly waving at the children before driving through Killarney town. Then it's off to The Killarney Christmas Tree Farm where he'll eagerly await visiting children tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.
With a fairy trail, festive wooden decorations made by Killarney Community College students, a dock with hot chocolate and refreshments - and even a sweet shop, it promises to be a magical experience.
An idea by Nicola Lynch and her father Nick Foley, the trail will light up in different colours resembling the northern lights. Santa will be in one giant four metre by four metre bubble lit red where he can interact with the children. A second bubble of the same size further away will have three naughty elves inside.
"When we put it online it completely bookedout immediately and the website crashed," Nicola told the Killarney Advertiser.
"When someone buys a Christmas tree or a wreath they get a golden ticket to get in. He'll be here every Saturday from 12-6 and Sunday in the run up to Christmas. We can only have three families at a time every half hour due to social distancing."
However, the idea is not concentrating on profit - as charities and groups will benefit including St Vincent de Paul with the money staying locally, and the Tralee Soup Kitchen. Her eight-year-old son Ryan and his friends are also running a sweet shop which raised €650 which they're donating to Fossa GAA Club.
"There is also a post box for the kids - but it's different - as we're asking them to write their letters which I will post to local care homes."
For now it's all booked out but follow their Facebook page: Killarney Christmas Trees for updates.
CCTV system moves closer to tender
Plans for a long-awaited community-based CCTV system in Killarney town centre have taken a major step forward, with Kerry County Council expected to publish a tender for the project in the coming weeks.
The local authority confirmed that significant groundwork has now been completed, including obtaining approval from An Garda Síochána, completing a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), and finalising technical specifications.
The progress follows an official response in Dáil Éireann to a Parliamentary Question raised by Kerry TD Michael Cahill, who has repeatedly pressed the Minister for Justice and local officials for updates on the long-delayed scheme.
The introduction of modern CCTV is strongly supported by local businesses, residents, and the Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce to help deter criminal activity and support Garda policing.
Once the tender process is completed, the installation will move ahead under updated national guidelines for community CCTV schemes.
St Brendan’s College student Franciszek (Frank) Jakubowski has claimed a title on the national martial arts stage after winning a gold medal and championship belt at NAGA Ireland, one of the country’s premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
The 17-year-old Killarney resident fought through five matches to secure first place in his category at the event. The Fifth Year student trains locally at BJJ Killarney under coach Wilson, who guides his daily skill development. He also credits his older brother Filip, who competes in Cork, for helping him fine-tune his technique, prepare for tournaments, and support his athletic journey.
Jakubowski is a regular competitor on the Irish and international circuit, having built up a strong record across major events. Along with his latest NAGA Ireland belt and gold medal, his recent achievements include two gold medals and a silver medal at the Irish Open, four gold medals at the Grapple Series, and a gold and silver medal performance at the Ground Game Cup in Suwałki.
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