News
Relief as indoor dining finally resumes
By Michelle Crean
After almost 500 days of closures the sense of relief was evident this week as restaurants, cafés and bars were finally allowed to welcome customers back in.
BACK INSIDE: Customers Charlie Buckingham and Danjoe Aherne were very happy to get back indoors at Jimmy Brien's Bar on Monday.
WORRIED: Brian Murphy at Courtney's Bar said he's nervous about staffing levels.
LONG SEASON: Lee O'Callaghan at the Porterhouse Restaurant says he's hoping for a long season ahead after being closed for so long.
BACK INSIDE: Customers Charlie Buckingham and Danjoe Aherne were very happy to get back indoors at Jimmy Brien's Bar on Monday.
WORRIED: Brian Murphy at Courtney's Bar said he's nervous about staffing levels.
LONG SEASON: Lee O'Callaghan at the Porterhouse Restaurant says he's hoping for a long season ahead after being closed for so long.
Some had reopened for outdoor dining previously to help keep their businesses afloat but it was back to normal on Monday.
According to the new rules as set out by Fáilte Ireland and the Government, in order for customers to access indoor service, they must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months. Those who are not yet vaccinated can only be served outside.
A maximum of six people aged 13 and over are allowed per table and it's advised that face coverings be worn when not at the table, there is no time limit, customers can only eat or drink at a table and not at the bar or counter, and one person must give their details for contract tracing purposes. Live music and dancing is not allowed.
The Killarney Advertiser spoke to a number of businesses this week and overall the feeling was relief that they can finally get back to normal service but the issue of staffing still remains.
Brian Murphy from Courtney's Bar said he was feeling nervous.
"I'm feeling nervous as we don't have enough staff," he said. "It's a Monday so hopefully we can cope. Things will settle down and we'll find a level we are all happy with."
At the Porterhouse Restaurant Lee O'Callaghan said "It's great to be back open and have people coming into the restaurant".
"Hopefully we have a long season after being closed for so long."
Staff at Reidy's, Ellen Shannon, Rory Carroll and Jack Sweeney, added that they're delighted to return to indoor dining.
"Hopefully we get back to normal soon and to brighter days ahead."
At Jimmy Brien's Bar in Fair Hill, customers echoed the same sentiments about being finally open.
"We are delighted to be back," Danjoe Aherne said.
"We appreciate everything Alan Breen has done for us. We're glad to be back home again!" Charlie Buckingham said.
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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