News
Solution to Farranfore water issues in sight
By Sean Moriarty
The problematic water main in Farranfore village is set to be replaced with works beginning later this month.
There has been regular water bursts in the area over the last few years, the most-recent rupture in July caused widespread traffic disruption and left homes and businesses without water on one of the warmest days of the year and at time when there were thousands of tourists passing though the village.
Previous bursts forced the closures of schools and creches in the village.
All this could be a thing of the past very soon.
Beginning on Monday, August 30, Irish Water sub-contractors will start a systematic replacement of water pipes in the area.
The works will be carried out during evening and night-time hours – from 7pm to 7am Monday evening to Friday morning and will continuing until the end of October.
One lane will be closed during these night-time working hours with a stop-go system in place.
Works will commence on the south side of the level crossing at Farranfore railway station and proceed towards Killarney for approximately 1km.
The works do not cross the railway tracks. The N22 Killarney to Tralee Road will remain fully open during the day, from 7 am to 7 pm, throughout the works.
“It will come as no surprise to residents and businesses of the area that there have been regular bouts of unplanned outages in the recent past due to the ageing network. The size and scale of this challenge, not only in Kerry but nationally is well documented and reacting to this, Irish Water is implementing their strategic plan to ensure security of supply, the reduction of high levels of leakage and the improvement of water quality in the county,” said Steven Blennerhassett, the Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water.
“We are very much aware of the issues with the water supply here in Kerry and are being very proactive in trying to resolve the problem with our colleagues in Kerry County Council as efficiently as possible. We recently again, engaged with the elected representatives and as always, we value the engagement with them.
“Irish Water understands these types of works can be inconvenient and we are working with Kerry County Council, our contractor Ward and Burke and all stakeholders to make every effort to minimise any disruption the works may cause
Residents and businesses in the areas of the works will be notified, and customers can call the Irish Water customer helpline on 1850 278 278 for any questions in relation to the works.
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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