We're getting closer to half a century - as the Killarney Advertiser celebrated its 48 birthday on Wednesday - and that's all down to you, our loyal readers and advertisers. What started out with humble beginnings in 1973 by Danny Casey in Woodlawn - who saw the need for a local news publication - has become the longest-running family-owned and run advertiser in Ireland, and is the second-oldest advertiser (by a few weeks) in the country.

[caption id="attachment_36404" align="alignright" width="216"] Danny Casey, who established Killarney Advertiser in March 1973.[/caption]

We're also the only locally printed publication made in Killarney for the people of Killarney thanks to our parent company KC Print in Upper Lissivigeen, founded by Danny's son Cormac Casey.

From advertising to news, and sports, the Killarney Advertiser appeals to readers of all ages, and is truly at the heart of the community both in print and online.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

All those years ago Danny had a vision. He could see an opening for a community publication that represented what was going on within the locality. It began with just a few pages printed at home in his shed - but before long it became the talk of the town so much so that customers would beat a path to the door of the premises at Monteagle and then, down the road to Ballycasheen, where the business moved in 2005.

In early 2011 the business again moved, this time to its current location, its town-centre premises at Unit 1C, Park Place, High Street, Killarney.

Almost five decades since it first hit the shelves this free weekly publication is still in demand across the greater Killarney area and well beyond. Admit it, your Friday wouldn’t be the same without it!

And, like many businesses, the impact of the pandemic created a difficult trading year for the business but with a strong team of journalists, designers, advertising staff and administrators, we continue to navigate our way through it - bringing you the very best every week.

A constantly evolving institution

by Aidan Quirke, General Manager

The ‘Advertiser’ is very much at the heart of our local community covering all the major news and sport for nearly a half century. It is a unique publication that continues to be at the centre of Killarney life. Over the years it has evolved from black and white print to a full colour publication and is read by 26,000 people every Friday. It is an institution but not one that rests easily as the number one news resource for Killarney people.

In the coming weeks, the next evolution of the Killarney Advertiser will be launched. It promises to bring together all the best elements of the magazine and incorporate new technology to ensure that you are always up to date.

The ‘Advertiser’ remains in family ownership, highly unusual in the Irish media landscape. It is this constant that has ensured the longevity of the publication but also the commitment of local businesses and readers to support their ‘Favourite Friday Read’. In addition, it continues to be designed, written and printed in Killarney, again unique in today’s mediascape.

Danny Casey founded the magazine this week in 1973, little did he know that it would become an institution, nor that his son Cormac would lead the evolution of the magazine from black and white to colour and implement design changes that make it the most read publication in Killarney.

We are all very proud to work here, constantly striving to be the best publication of its kind in the country. Thank you to all our readers and advertisers for supporting the Killarney Advertiser for 48 years, it is a pleasure to serve you.

[caption id="attachment_36383" align="alignleft" width="570"] The Killarney Advertiser's first home at Monteagle, Woodlawn.[/caption]