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Debut novel published by Arbutus Grove resident

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By Michelle Crean

Learning to write again after a life-changing accident some years ago has helped one local resident publish her first ever children's book.

Felicia Thomas, who is originally from Kent but living in Arbustus Grove for the past 30 years, is thrilled to have her book 'Miss Polly and the Crocodile' set in the magical land of Loopaloo, printed and now in local bookshops.

The artist and author put pen to paper to not only write, but also illustrate the book, as part of her rehabilitation after a life-changing accident in 2013.

It tells the story of a grumpy king, a very spoilt princess, Miss Polly and a crocodile, a shy little girl, good friends and a bully, and it's aimed at ages five to eight year-olds.

The characters are faced with very relatable problems, but find that being nice to others and a little magic can save the day.

"I lost my fingers in an accident some years ago," Felicia told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I wrote the book as a way to exercise my hand and then I put it away for years."

It was when she was asked to illustrate a book for someone else earlier this year that she thought of her own again and sent it to a publisher, and they loved it!

"They came back and said they loved it straight away. I'm very excited about it."

Now published with illustrations by Felicia herself, the book is available in Eason Killarney, Woulfes in Listowel, Crystal Cave in Killorglin, Kanturk Bookshop, Puccinis in Kenmare and from her website www.feliciathomas.ie for €8.99.

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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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