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Surprise retirement party for tour giant

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By Sean Moriarty

A travel agent who was responsible for bringing hundreds of thousands visitors to Ireland celebrated his retirement from the industry with a surprise party in Killeen House on Wednesday night.

Dubliner Brian Moore ran Brian Moore International Travel (BMIT) in Rhode Island for close to 40 years. His career in the travel industry goes back over 50 years, his first job in the US as a Shannon Travel rep in Boston before going out on his own.

One of his biggest contracts was bringing American football to Dublin. Back in 1989 BMIT was the sole travel agent for the Boston College v Army Black Knights game played in Lansdowne Road. BMIT brought 10,000 people to Ireland on that occasion and the majority of them included Killarney on their schedule.

Throughout his career his local affairs were handled by his sister Stella O’Shea from Rock Road. Coaches with the BMIT livery were a familiar sight on the roads of Kerry for decades.

“I handled all of his on the ground work, like meeting and greeting,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “There was never a cross word between us.”

The formidable team always included both Galway and Killarney on their tours.

“He would say that "I made the promises and Stella kept them",” she added.

During his distinguished career he brought thousands of visitors to Kerry. His achievements included being inducted into the Order of Innisfallen in 2015. This award is presented to people from outside the locality who have made massive contributions to Killarney life.

He sold BMIT to a larger travel agency in 2000 but continued in the travel industry working for outfits like CIE International and Brendan Vacations.

Senior tourism figures organised a surprise retirement party for Brian at Killeen House this week. He thought he was accompanying 11 US visitors on an evening meal but when he arrived he was greeted by guests like Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Marie Moloney, and Niall Kelleher in his role as the President of Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

“He rang me during the day just for a chat, it was very hard not to tell him what was going on but I couldn’t do it as it would have ruined it for everyone,” added Stella.

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Kilcummin GAA announces return of annual Pink Night

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3. Now in […]

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The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3.

Now in its 12th year, the event will support Comfort for Chemo for the fifth year running. The evening promises both fun and fundraising for the charity.

Guests will be greeted with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries to start the post-Christmas celebration.
While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, dressing up is optional, with the focus on community and support for the cause. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male.

The event begins at 8:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by Derry and Rosie Healy followed by Barry McGrath playing late into the night.

A raffle and door prizes, kindly provided by local sponsors, will take place on the night. Committee member Kathleen Ryan said the continued support of the local sponsors is deeply appreciated.

Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend the celebration.

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A winter ascent of the MacGillycuddy Reeks is always special

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter. […]

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Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks at Christmas time offer a cure for whatever the heart needs, whether it is peace, relaxation, or reflection. Melissa described spending time there as magical at any point of the year, but particularly during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Climbing one of the winter routes on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, requires essential safety gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, making the experience “incredibly exciting and fun.”
Melissa said that she enjoys visiting the stunning peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks often because it is a place she can never get enough of. She finds that mountains make her feel alive, giving her joy, thrill, satisfaction, and peace. She added that the feeling of tranquility and calm on the mountains encompasses every ounce of her.
With Ireland’s finest and highest mountain range on our doorstep in Killarney, Melissa said she feels blessed to be able to head up whenever the mountains are calling

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