News
Leaving Cert students look forward to the future
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Leaving Cert students from Killarney Community College reflect on their final school year. From l-r were: Aoife O'Brien, Sinead Gleeson, Alex Quinn, and Danny Cremin.
After a turbulent final year in secondary school for the current Leaving Certificate cohort, a number of Sixth Year students in Killarney Community College reflected on their experiences and outlined their hopes for the future.
Aoife O'Brien hopes to study home economics and Irish teaching in Sligo next year.
"I see the revised Leaving Cert as a good thing," she said. "It alleviates a lot of stress. The duration of the exams along with the layout are more student friendly."
Reflecting on the obstacles encountered this year Aoife added that "it was difficult to motivate yourself at times with remote learning but I think it has taught me how to adapt to challenges".
Daniel Cremin already has a carpentry apprenticeship in place for next year after a great experience doing subjects like metal and woodwork in the college. Regardless of his apprenticeship, he intends to sit all his exams. Daniel felt the last few weeks have been stressful with many class tests in preparation for the exam. "I feel we missed out on school outings such as field trips, college open days, but saying that I think I'm ready for anything life throws me after the madness of this year!"
Talented musician Sinead Gleeson felt she really missed singing and performing in the school choir at various occasions. Sinead has two offers of college places in the UK already for occupational therapy pending results, and is looking forward to a new challenge. "After this year, I have a greater appreciation of my family, friends and I don't think I'll ever take the small things I enjoy doing for granted. I see a bright future ahead of me and I'm excited to move on to the next chapter of my life - once I get over the Leaving Cert!"
Alex Quinn sees his future in computer engineering technology and is hopeful of going to CIT to achieve this. He felt there was great uncertainty surrounding the Leaving Cert for far too long but is happy with the new arrangements.
"It gives us every opportunity to achieve what we want," he said.
"I like that teachers have an input in our grades as they know us best and know the work we have put into the subject." Alex is hopeful that by the time he gets to college there will be some form of normality. "We have missed out on so much, I hope that we get to experience college on campus as opposed to behind a computer screen at home."
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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