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End of an era as last two nuns leave Presentation Convent

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This week marks the end of an era as the last two remaining Sisters have departed the Presentation Convent in Killarney for the last time. 

For nearly 230 years, since the first two Sisters arrived in 1793 to establish a convent and school, the Presentation Sisters have played an important role, educating, and supporting those in need in Killarney.

It was the first community of Presentation Sisters outside of the founding community in Cork, and their mission was to expand and continue the work of their founder Nano Nagle, which was to provide education to Catholic children, which was forbidden at the time by the Penal Laws.

In 1800 a primary school was established, and by 1826 over 350 pupils were enrolled.

In 1875 the current Presentation Convent was built.

The three-storey building includes a six-bay double height Gothic Revival style chapel and is of significant historical importance and is a listed building, with many of the original features of the building both internally and externally still intact and protected.

In 1948 a secondary school was founded, with the current St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School building commencing construction two years later. This building is still in use with a further extension added to the school in 1984.

While there is sadness with the Sisters departing, it also heralds an exciting time for St Brigid’s as land which was part of the Convent grounds, has been gifted for a proposed new school, as the demand for places has outgrown its current accommodation.

It is hoped that this generous gift will ensure that the legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation ethos will live on into the future in Killarney and beyond.

As the focus now is on the development of this new school, there are no immediate plans for the future of the Convent building and the remaining grounds.

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Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape

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Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape


The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.


Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.

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End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires

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End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires


It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.


Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.

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