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Tributes paid to poet who leaves a rich legacy behind

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Tributes have been pouring in for poet and writer Brendan Kennelly following his death (yesterday) Sunday.

President Michael D. Higgins, Minister for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley, and the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, have extended their condolences.

Kennelly, one of the country's most popular poets, was a Professor of Modern Literature at Trinity College, Dublin until 2005. He passed away in Áras Mhuire Nursing Home, Listowel, at the age of 85.

"As one of those who had the great fortune of enjoying the gift of friendship with Brendan Kennelly for many years, it is with great sadness that I have heard of his passing," President Michael D. Higgins said.

"As a poet, Brendan Kennelly had forged a special place in the affections of the Irish people. He brought so much resonance, insight, and the revelation of the joy of intimacy to the performance of his poems and to gatherings in so many parts of Ireland. He did so with a special charm, wit, energy and passion."

With more than 30 collections, he leaves a major body of work, a legacy of teaching as Professor of Modern Literature at Trinity College Dublin, and the gratitude of so many younger poets whom he encouraged with honest and helpful critical advice, he added.

"Sabina and I offer our condolences to his sister Nancy, his brothers, Sean, John, Alan and Paddy, his granddaughters and the extended family as well as his wide circle of friends, all of whom treasured his presence among them, a friendship he valued."

A PROUD KERRYMAN

Minister for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley said she was saddened to hear of his passing.

"A proud Kerryman and giant of the world of literature. A wordsmith beyond compare blessed with a noble heart and infinite well of creativity. Many, many happy hours in times gone by spent with my students studying his wonderful poems. Remembering him with both gratitude and admiration. Rest in peace, Brendan.”

Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, said “Brendan Kennelly was a remarkable poet and writer who produced some of the most important and iconic poems which now form part of his rich legacy".

"He made poetry popular and accessible, which won him such admiration nationally and internationally. Brendan was first and foremost a Ballylongford man and despite many years in Dublin, he always maintained a close link with, and a love of, his native place. Several years ago, Kerry County Council had the honour of hosting a Civic Reception for Brendan in his homeplace. I know that was one of his proudest days, surrounded by his family and neighbours.”

The Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said that Brendan Kennelly was an exceptional ambassador for Kerry.

“Brendan Kennelly was an exceptionally generous and kind man who always had great time for the people of his native county. He has made an enormous and enduring impact on Irish poetry, literature and culture, which is his wonderful legacy.”
 

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Friends of Brendan and members of the public are invited to pay their respects at the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Ballylongford, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday).
 
Funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon in the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Ballylongford, on Wednesday followed by burial in Lislaughtin Cemetery, Ballylongford.

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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