News
Significant decline in COVID cases in 19-24 age-group says HSE
With the rate of COVID-19 cases declining in the 19-24 age-group, the HSE has today (Tuesday) praised third-level students for their efforts to help reduce the spread of infection. Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Anne Sheahan, confirmed that the rate of COVID-19 is declining in this particular age-group in Cork and Kerry and is now at a similar level to the general population.
“This tells us that this age-group, including third-level students, have made huge efforts in recent weeks to stick to the tough but necessary measures which stop the spread of COVID-19 including not socialising, physical distancing and wearing masks,” Dr Sheahan said.
She thanked students and young people for their efforts, and added that the current restrictions which prevent normal socialising are particularly difficult for young people.
“This is a very big ask of young people, we’ve had to ask them to give up so much at a very important stage of life. I want to thank these young people for their efforts. By giving up socialising and by taking the hard decision not to interact with your social groups, you have saved lives and are contributing to the falling levels of COVID-19 in the South,” she said.
While the rates of COVID-19 continue to fall, Dr Sheahan warned that everyone still needs to continue to stick with the restrictions in order to continue this positive trend.
“Together, we have turned the tide on the third wave of COVID-19 in Cork and Kerry, and I want to thank the student population for the part they have played in that. Unfortunately, I need to ask you to keep it up so that we make the most of this chance to drive infection rates as low as possible. This is a true community effort and it is reassuring to see that students and young people continue to play their part,” she said.
The Department of Public Health (HSE South) has linked with student representatives and third-level institutions in recent months as part of local efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, and Dr Sheahan said this collaboration has been very effective.
“We have linked with student representatives in recent months in Cork and Kerry, and have been very impressed by the supports they have put in place to assist students missing out on the social interaction which are such an important part of student life.”
€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...
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