News
Aqua Dome to reopen in time for St Patrick’s Day
The Aqua Dome has announced that it will reopen its doors to customers on Tuesday, March 15 - almost two years to the day since it was forced to close due to the pandemic.
Coinciding with the extended St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend, the reopening of the facility will bring a timely boost to the tourism industry in Tralee and other parts of Kerry.
The leisure pool, with its fantastic features such as the waves, slides, and rapids, are a big attraction for children and the Vitality Spa is a huge draw for the adults.
Of course, it is worth noting that there is no time limit on your stay in the Aqua Dome which is a magnificent venue for all ages.
“We are delighted to be reopening once again," CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge, said.
"We are very aware of the importance of the Aqua Dome as it brings so much business to Tralee. It’s widely known that many people visit the area primarily because of the Aqua Dome. We hope it will be business as normal for the years ahead and we look forward to welcoming our staff and regular customers back.”
The Aqua Dome retained a core staff who have kept the place in excellent condition but plans for a new major attraction at the site were shelved because the funds were needed to offset losses caused by the closure.
Management remain mindful that the reopening of the Aqua Dome, which is powered by both gas and electricity, comes at a time when energy costs are on the rise and insurance premiums continue to be high.
“We are excited to welcome back our customers and we hope they will return in great numbers in the Spring and, in particular, during the peak months of July and August,” he said.
For more information about opening times and admission fees, please visit www.aquadome.ie or contact info@aquadome.ie.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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