Pupils s at St Oliver’s National School are now speaking French thanks to a successful ten-week language module delivered by French For All Killarney School of French.

The intensive module, which focused on the inclusion and pro-active learning of French, concluded with a celebratory and festive event for the three fifth classes.

Course Director and native French teacher Hélène Olivier-Courtney marked the final day with a selection of French food, including macarons, homemade crêpes, croissants, pains au chocolat, and baguettes. The food added a real French touch to the celebrations for students interested in baking, football, fashion, and art.

The ten-week language module began in schools nationally in 2021 through applications to Post Primary Language Ireland (PPLI). The course aims to help children develop a love for French and language learning in general, giving them a valuable head start before secondary school. Activities included cultural projects, art projects reflecting the children’s interests, songs, and games, making the language journey enjoyable and meaningful.

Hélène Olivier-Courtney extended a special thanks to principa Colm O’Suilleabhain and Deputy Principal Sandra Chute for welcoming French into the school this year. She also thanked all the teachers and SNAs for their continuous support.

Adult and secondary school students’ classes will resume on January 12. Hélène Olivier-Courtney wished everyone “Joyeux Noël” and extended best wishes ahead of the New Year to Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate students in 2026. She can be contacted on helene@frenchforall.ie.

Killarney singer Ben Quinlan has released two new songs ahead of the festive season. Times Like These is a song about missing a loved one at Christmas time. The song was released on Spotify on November 22. The singer, originally from Woodlawn, has also released Red Snow, a song about a soldier’s story at war. The track is now No20. on the IMRO Christmas playlist on Spotify. Both songs were composed by Will Scally. Ben competed in the X-Factor in 2014. During his first audition, he sang That’s My Goal and sang it to Cheryl Cole. He made it to the last stage of Bootcamp. He performed at Wembley Arena in front of all four judges and a large crowd in attendance. Both songs are now available to stream on Spotify.