News
Changes at the helm of local national schools
By Michelle Crean
There's a few new faces at local national schools this year - not only the incoming Junior Infants - but new school principals at Lissivigeen National School, St Oliver's, Tiernaboul, and The Mon.
On Tuesday, Conor Gleeson (45) began his new journey as admin principal at Lissivigeen NS taking over from Mike McAuliffe who retired just before the summer holidays.
Conor has left his teaching principal role in Tiernaboul NS and is being replaced by Maria Breen. The Mon is set to appoint a new head of the school as Colm O Suilleabhain has left and takes up the position of new principal at St Oliver's taking over from Rory D'Arcy who begins a new career as a Senior National Advisor to Catholic Primary Schools with the Managers Association.
For Conor it's not his first day at Lissivigeen NS as he taught there from 2007 to 2012 after beginning his career at Innishannon National in 2002.
And the links don't stop there, although he himself attended Loretto NS, his father Jim Gleeson and three generations before him, attended Lissivigeen NS.
And to make the morning school journey a little easier, both Conor's children Jack in Fourth Class and Doireann, who is in Second Class, have joined their dad at school also.
PRAISE
Conor praised staff and Board of Management in Tiernaboul, and said he will miss the 70 pupils and their families dearly but that "change is a good thing" for everyone.
"I began in Tiernaboul National School in March 2012, nine and a half years ago, the time flew there," Conor told the Killarney Advertiser.
"Change is a good thing. There is a feeling of mixed emotions as I loved every minute in Tiernaboul. The staff there are top notch and I'd like to thank them and the Board of Management. It's exciting times and I'd like to wish Maria Breen, the new principal, all the best. I have no doubt that she will bring new exciting initiatives to the role and it'll benefit everybody."
And as he switches out of a teaching/principal role to a more administrative role with 270 pupils, he said that he'll miss the classroom.
"I have big shoes to fill, they'll miss Mr McAuliffe," he said. "It's a big change. Teaching, that's the one thing I'll miss hugely."
However, he is looking forward to a new direction as admin principal.
"From day one I got a lovely welcome here. It's totally different. Communication is the buzz word, if the lines of communication are open I think it's very important. An informed parent is a happy parent. I'm looking forward to the years ahead."
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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