News
Funfair operators not made aware of Chamber’s concerns
By Sean Moriarty
Operators of Bird’s Euroshow have hit out against Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce after the business body issued a statement that it was concerned the funfair was intending setting up in the town this summer.
Don Bird, the grandson of the funfair’s founder William Bird, was unaware of the Chamber’s concerns or that they had issued a statement on the matter until contacted by the Killarney Advertiser.
“In view of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, with the town very gradually reopening for business following several months of lockdown, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce is very concerned that Bird’s Euroshow intends to set up in the town in the coming weeks,” said the chamber statement.
“In the current circumstances, from a public health perspective and to ensure the safest possible summer for locals and visitors, the Chamber is not in favour of the amusements setting up in the Fair Field car park. Any gathering of young people in such an environment would give real cause for concern. Precedent alone would indicate that it would be a major congregation point for teenagers.”
Bird’s Euroshow has included Killarney on its summer tour since 1937. The funfair traditionally operates in the Fair Field car park in July – usually in conjunction with the Killarney Races Summer meeting.
It then moves on to Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee and finishes its summer season at Listowel Races in September.
Bird’s EuroShow is not a member of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce but is a member of similar bodies in Tralee and Limerick.
“This is not how a body that represents the business community should act,” Mr Bird told the Killarney Advertiser.
“I am not prepared to make any statement until I sit down and read this and discuss it with colleagues.”
The chamber defended its stance, saying it was putting the safety of visitors and townspeople first amid worries that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is more likely to spread amongst teenagers and younger adults.
“While an amusement park of this nature attracts young people, we now know that the Delta variant attacks young people and, given the current unavailability of a COVID-19 vaccination for that generation, the risks would be too great,” the Chamber statement added.
Contactless payments launched on Local Link services
Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using...
How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?
Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place...
Town centre-based software firm marks two years in business
A Killarney-based software company is celebrating two years in business since expanding into the European market. QT9 Software Ltd, which...
High-profile keynote speaker at Chamber lunch
The vastly experienced Liam Hession, a partner with BDO – one of the world’s leading accountancy and advisory firms –...
MARIE MEETS: No use crying over spilt milk… Unless it’s Mike’s last round
By Marie Carroll O’Sullivan. So, what does almost four decades on the road as a milkman look like when it...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
