News
Kevin conquers the world’s coldest and toughest race!
By Sean Moriarty
Killarney man Kevin Leahy - who took on the ultimate challenge - has today (Wednesday) reached the finish line of the world’s coldest and toughest race.
DOCUMENTARY: Killarney firm Grandview Media was there to capture the historic moment. Photo: Adrian McCarthy
DOCUMENTARY: Killarney firm Grandview Media was there to capture the historic moment. Photo: Adrian McCarthy
Kevin crossed the line at the Yukon Arctic Ultra Marathon in Canada - where temperatures can dip as low as -50°C - in first place in his class and second place overall.
Kevin completed the course at lunchtime today – around 6am Canadian time, in a time of five days, 19 hours and 15 minutes.
Rival Jessie Gladish finished almost six hours ahead but the Canadian was on a bicycle. Kevin was on foot meaning he was the first athlete to complete the gruelling race under his own steam.
Third placed is a race between Stephan Huss of Germany and Daniel Benhammou who were over 180 miles away from the finish by the time Kevin crossed the line.
A second Kerry man, Aodh O Currain from the Dingle Peninsula, is currently in fifth place.
Throughout the 500km race Kevin had to be fully self-sufficient and dragged a sled weighing between 25kg and 30kg with all his cooking essentials, tent and spare clothes on board.
Some of the final section of the 500kms had to bypassed as there was too much ice on the bank of the River Yukon. Competitors were originally expected to walk or run on the frozen river but the excess ice on its banks meant there was no available escape route should they hit trouble.
Kevin’s progress was followed by local digital production company Grandview Media.
The Pawn Office Lane-based company is run by director and producer Adrian McCarthy and he is making a documentary on Kevin’s adventure.
“Kevin hasn't slept for around 27 hours and he isn’t talking too much to be honest,” Adrian told the Killarney Advertiser from the Whitehorse finish.
“Still, it's class that an Irish man is the first foot racer over the line.”
Kevin has no intention of resting on his laurels. In just a few weeks he is off to Swedish Lapland where he will tackle a second 500km race.
The Lapland Arctic Ultra, billed as a race “through Europe’s last wilderness”, takes place between March 6-16 in Överkalix, Sweden. The Swedish town is about 160km west of the Finnish town of Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus in Lapland.
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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