News
New Hearing Impairment class for Knockanes NS
SPECIAL CLASS: A new Special Class for Pupils with Hearing Impairment has been sanctioned for Knockanes National School in Headford. Pictured are: Joan O'Leary (grandmother), Diane O'Leary (mother), Jack and Paudie O'Leary (pupils of Knockanes NS), Marie Cronin (Deputy Principal), Isabelle and Darragh Carey (pupils of Knockanes NS), Lucy O'Sullivan (Principal).
By Michelle Crean
A Special Class for Pupils with Hearing Impairment has been sanctioned for Knockanes National School in Headford.
The news comes following communication with the Department of Education and NCSE (National Council for Special Education) over recent months.
Currently the school has four pupils enrolled for the class for this coming September.
Brothers Jack O'Leary in Fourth Class and Paudie O'Leary in Second Class, as well as Isabelle Carey in Second Class, who are already pupils within the school, will avail of the supports of the special class from September.
Recently the school had a meeting with their visiting teacher for the Deaf, Annette O'Neill, and her colleague Orlaith Kelleher (National Council for Special Education), along with Eda Walsh of Beaumont Hospital.
"They provided invaluable support and advice with the set-up of our new class and we look forward to working with them into the future," Principal, Lucy O'Sullivan, said.
"This is a wonderful development and opportunity for our school, our current staff and pupils and also our prospective pupils and their families. Pupils enrolled in this class will receive more targeted and focused teaching and learning support whilst still integrating with their mainstream classes and peers during the school day," she said.
"We have been allocated additional support staff also who will work specifically with the pupils in this class. These staff will receive specific training to further enhance the learning opportunities for the pupils with hearing impairment that will enrol in the class. We look forward to beginning the process of setting up this class over the coming weeks and months and welcoming new staff and pupils to our school in September."
€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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