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Fireman bids farewell after 27 years of service

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FIRE CALL: Popular Connie Kelly has answered his last fire call after 27 years of service at Killarney Fire Station.

 

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Fire Station Sub Station officer Connie Kelly retired this week after 27 years of service.
A second-generation firefighter, his father Mossie served with Killarney Fire Station too. Connie started his career as a volunteer with the Kerry branch of the Civil Defence.

He joined the service as a retained fire officer on December 1, 1993 and worked his way up to Sub Station officer until his retirement this week.

“I have seen a lot of changes in my time,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “The equipment has changed so much. In the start we could be cutting people out of crashed cars with little more than a hacksaw. The hydraulic equipment changed everything and even that improved too over the years.”

Connie said he won’t miss getting up in the middle of the night to answer emergency calls but will miss the comradery of his station colleagues.

“They become your best friends,” he added. “Special thanks to my wife Lucy who put up with all the difficulties over the years. Being on call all the time is the hardest.”

Despite being a retained fire officer, Connie maintained his job at the Post Office on New St.

His An Post manager Terry Potts is the son of former Dublin District Fire Commander, the late Terry Sr.

“Terry always had a great understanding and was very pro-fire brigade, even when I had to drop everything to answer a call.”

Connie is also well-known in motorcycle circles in the Killarney area.

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Generous public raises over €1,400 at Christmas Day Goal Mile

Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day. The annual fundraiser, which took place in […]

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Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.
In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.
Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.
“The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group,” Ms Mangan said. “It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families.”
The organisers concluded by offering a “Míle Buíochas” to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

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Beaufort Golf Club reopening under new management

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Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members.

Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club.

Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening.

A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway.

Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained chef.

Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability.

The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team.

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub”

To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

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