News
KSAI receives funding for business support
By Michelle Crean
Going Green, KASI Cafe and Refill Store has been awarded €10,000 funding for business supports.
The local non-governmental organisation (NGO) based on Beech Road, which opened its doors in October last year is one of 34 social enterprises around Ireland to receive funding and support from Rethink Ireland under their Social Enterprise Development Fund.
KASI has been providing practical, moral and social support to Asylum Seekers, Refugees and other Migrants since 2000.
Their work evolved from providing the necessary services and support to the new communities like providing information, practical help - filling in forms, advocacy work, referrals, outreach work; to organising various social and integration activities; to in recent years setting up social enterprises to create employment through training, placements and employment in the project itself. Their latest social enterprise, Going Green KASI Café and Zero Waste Refill Store, addresses social, economic and environmental issues.
Rethink Ireland’s Social Enterprise Development Fund has awarded €400,000 to 16 projects around Ireland, while a further 18 projects have been awarded a place on the organisation’s Genesis Programme which provides strategic business support to organisations. The Genesis Programme is an intensive two-day workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities.
“We would like to congratulate Going Green, KASI Cafe and Refill Store on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Development Fund Award from Rethink Ireland,” Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said.
"Coming out of an extremely challenging period for Irish society – and Irish businesses – we’re delighted with this good news story for Kerry. Social enterprises have an important role to play in guiding Ireland to be come a more inclusive and equal society. Organisations like Going Green, KASI Cafe and Refill Store are leading the charge by not only creating jobs but working towards bringing about positive social change.”
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
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