News
Jennifer raises close to €15k for Kerry Hospice
KINDNESS: Joe and his cousin Jennifer Aherne handing over the cheque to Dr Mags Clifford. Pictured at the back are: Rory and Noreen Aherne with Mary Shanahan from the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
By Michelle Crean
A local woman who took on a huge challenge ahead of her 30th birthday has been overwhelmed with the support received.
Jennifer Aherne, who turned 30 yesterday (Thursday) completed a half marathon for the Kerry Hospice Foundation (KHF) in memory of her dad Brendan Aherne (55) from Lissivigeen, who sadly passed away on September 14 last from a rare and aggressive Neuroendocrine Cancer.
To thank staff at the Palliative Care Unit in Tralee for their kindness and compassion in what was a difficult and emotional time, Jennifer decided to run 30kms a week over 10 weeks in his memory finishing with the half marathon as she turned 30.
This week she donated over €14k to KHF, but since then more donations are pouring in with the amount almost up to €15k.
"I have run 300km over the past 10 weeks," Jennifer told the Killarney Advertiser. "I found it was great for my mental health. I said I'd take it further and my cousin Joe from Kilworth, County Cork, who was very close to dad, decided to do it too."
Brendan, a carpenter, bee-keeper, bird watcher and avid soccer fan, who had a love of the simple things in life, was diagnosed in January 2020.
"It was a big shock," Jennifer said. "Dad was so strong, positive and always hopeful. He was gentle, caring and funny, he had an appreciation of nature and the outdoors and had a lovely calm and laid-back way about him. Our family try our best to live each day by his example."
She said her mother Noreen and brothers Jason and Rory are beyond grateful for the amazing care and kindness shown to him at the Palliative Care Centre in Tralee.
"Dr Maggie Clifford led a dedicated team who ensured that dad was comfortable and pain free. They also supported our family in such a difficult time, and we will never forget their kindness. We are so lucky to have such a great facility in Kerry. For me, the running was something small in comparision to what they have done for dad."
The link www.idonate.ie/JenniferAherne is open until the end of May and any more donations would be greatly appreciated, she added.
€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.
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