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Students thought-provoking lockdown diary wins award

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AWARD: Students from The Sem, Gearoid Mulvihill, Kacper Bogalecki (Film Director), Colm Looney, Jason Lee, Patrick Kearney, Jack Lynch, Dara O’Callaghan, Cian McMahon, Jack O’Sullivan, pictured with Sean Coffey (Principal), are delighted to win a film award this week.

By Michelle Crean

A thought-provoking nine minute long video made by local students to share their lockdown experience has won a Youth Film Festival award.

Students from St Brendan's College learned of the news on Saturday last online that their entry won the First Cut! Youth Film Festival Best Schools Film Award.

"We were delighted to hear this and we're very thankful to all those who helped us make this film a reality," Fifth Year student Kacper Bogalecki told the Killarney Advertiser.
During last year's lockdown, the then group of TY students got together in hopes of making a thought-provoking film to answer the question, "Would it be ethical to return to how things were before COVID-19?".

"We met twice a week on Zoom for many months where we shared our lockdown experiences and simply used this moment to have a little chat. We wanted to get something done towards the end of our TY programme, and perhaps undertake a meaningful project. I think during lockdown we all had a chance to reflect on our lives and become more aware of what's going on around us."

Cognisant of the major on-going world problems which were present before the pandemic struck, he said that they wanted to bring the viewers' attention to these issues and why fundamental change is needed.

"With the help of Kerry Filmmaker in Residence, Mieke Vanmechelen, and our teacher Niamh Sheehy, we created the film titled, 'The Sem Film Project' highlighting the effects of climate change, war, and of course, the ongoing spread of COVID-19," he said.

"Through our film, we also wanted to illustrate the value of solidarity and the importance of community spirit by documenting our daily lives whilst living in isolation. Moreover, we hoped that our film would serve as a diary of how, and what young people were doing at the beginning of the pandemic when we were all first thrust into the new normal in which we live today."

The film can be watched on YouTube by searching 'The Sem Film Project'. 

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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