Kerry Airport chief executive Adrian Neilan addressed local business leaders at the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel.

Mr Neilan outlined the airport’s strategy, focusing on regional connectivity, customer experience, safety, and financial strength.

He noted that regional road, rail, and air links remain vital for residents, local businesses, and the tourism sector.

Addressing route development, Mr Neilan explained that airlines look closely at load factor alongside overall passenger volume.

In July, select Kerry routes achieved load factors of up to 99 per cent.

The airport currently has six confirmed meetings scheduled with prospective carriers to discuss further expansion.

Kerry Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025, handling 440,000 passengers.

Mr Neilan highlighted the importance of domestic and European connectivity for business, education, healthcare, and family travel, noting that attracting new services requires a collective effort between local hoteliers, transport operators, and regional businesses.

The luncheon also featured an address by Cllr Niall Kelleher, chairperson of Christmas in Killarney, who introduced the launch and updated branding for this year’s festival, urging the local community and trade sector to rally behind the event.
Photos: Eamonn Keogh

The Brehon Hotel and Spa raised €2,850 for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation after hosting a closest-to-the-pin golf simulator challenge as part of a national charity drive.

The fundraising total will fund up to 143 hours of specialized nursing care and respite support for Jack and Jill families in Kerry and across Ireland.

Held at PAR 72, the hotel’s TrackMan golf simulator suite, the charity drive formed part of the Today FM Power Hour fundraiser with presenter Ian Dempsey.

Participant entries raised €1,425 on the morning, a sum subsequently matched by hotel directors Eamon and John O’Donoghue to double the final total.

Kerry GAA stars past and present turned out to support the event, including Paudie Clifford, Gavin White, and Eoin Brosnan, joining local golfers, supporters, and members of Dr Crokes GAA Club.

Competitors were given five attempts to land closest to the pin on a virtual simulation of the 16th hole at Adare Manor, the par-three hole playing across the River Maigue ahead of the resort hosting the Ryder Cup in 2027. Local golfer John Morley claimed top spot on the leaderboard, winning an overnight stay and dinner at the Killarney venue.

General Manager Neil Grant praised the local response to the event: “Jack and Jill does vital work for families across Ireland, and we were delighted to play our part in Power Hour. Thank you to everyone who came along and gave so generously. PAR 72 has been such a great addition to the hotel, and it was brilliant to see it being put to use for such a worthwhile cause.”