News
Hoteliers call for urgent supports to safeguard jobs
Hotel and guesthouse owners in Kerry are calling for an urgent review of business and employment supports for the hospitality sector following the announcement at the weekend that it is unlikely to reopen before mid-summer.
They are also asking the Government to intervene with the banks to ensure that appropriate supports and engagement processes are in place for business owners and their team members until COVID-19 has been suppressed.
Bernadette Randles, chair of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, warns that failure to act now will have long-term implications that could take years to repair.
“Public health must always be the number one priority and we recognise the difficult balance the Government has to achieve. However, if the all-important summer period is being eroded, additional supports are required now to safeguard businesses and the livelihoods they support until society reopens and the sector and wider tourism industry can recover,” she said.
“The news at the weekend resulted in acute frustration and anxiety for many people. Prior to this pandemic, some 15,700 livelihoods were supported by tourism and hospitality here in Kerry with the sector contributing €592 million to the local economy. Hotels and guesthouses not only provide local employment opportunities, they buy local services, source locally produced food and provide a vital infrastructure in support of local business and communities."
In some parts, she added, whole communities are built around tourism.
"A severely devastated tourism and hospitality sector would be a major loss to the economy and society here for many years to come. This can and must be avoided.”
“It wasn’t that long along ago that in the aftermath of the last financial crisis tourism was the number one sector in terms of job creation. Government must step up with engagement and the required supports to ensure that the sector and its 270,000 community nationwide can recover.”
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National...
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar...
Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk
Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20. Participants...
Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title
Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at...
Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members
The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
