News
Killarney retains Purple Flag status
Killarney has been officially accredited with being a vibrant, exciting and safe place to live in and visit by night.
It has been confirmed this week that the town has retained its prestigious Purple Flag status which is an international awards scheme for towns and city centres that excel after dark.
The recognition, considered a major international brand, is the gold standard for night time destinations and, like the Blue Flag scheme for beaches, recipients must meet exceptionally high standards and strict criteria to receive approval to fly the flag.
Killarney has received Purple Flag accreditation annually since 2014 and the official emblem flies proudly over the town hall as well as in the Glebe car park and Killarney Garda Station.
Killarney’s Purple Flag Working Group is spearheaded by the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and it involves Killarney Municipal District Council, An Garda Siochana, local businesses, community organisations and schools.
Purple Flag locations are deemed vibrant and well-managed between 5pm and 5am and the accreditation recognises excellence in the management of the evening and night-time economy and the creation of a safe and friendly environment in which to live, socialise and work.
ADJUDICATION PROCESS
Factors taken into consideration during the adjudication process included after dark safety, cleanliness, vitality, cultural stimulation, lighting, the provision of public transport and broad appeal.
Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Marie Moloney, said for Killarney to secure the Purple Flag this year was a more significant achievement than ever given the unprecedented two years experienced in the town.
“It is great so see that Killarney had emerged from the pandemic with its reputation as a great place still very much to the fore. The recognition just goes to prove that Killarney is a great place to be and a great place to visit,” she said.
Purple Flag Committee Chairman, Frank Doran, has attributed the success to the quality and commitment of the working group and the businesses in Killarney town who operate in the night-time economy.
“In order to retain the Purple Flag we must continue our work on an everyday basis to develop the entertainment, food, hospitality and public transport offering in Killarney,” he said.
“The town will be subject to assessment again in 2022 and we look forward to working with local businesses and key stakeholders to help promote the area to the widest possible audience,” Mr Doran added.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Niall Kelleher, said the last two years have not been what anyone expected and businesses and locals have had to explore new territory in the fightback against COVID-19.
“Retaining the Purple Flag is very important as Killarney needs every advantage it can get in order to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
“People all over the world are very much aware of just how wonderful Killarney is as a visitor attraction and as a welcoming, busy and fun place to be and this latest success just goes to prove that Killarney is just as charming after dark as it is by day,” Mr Kelleher 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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