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David Kenny named as joint U23 Athlete of the Year

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4 years ago

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AWARDS: David Kenny's second in the European U23 Athletics Championships in Estonia was a highlight of 2021. Photo: Sportsfile

By Sean Moriarty

Olympian David Kenny has been named as joint U23 Athlete of the Year by Athletics Ireland.

The awards took place online last weekend and was hosted by sports broadcaster Greg Allen.

Race walker Kenny represented Ireland during the Tokyo Olympics last summer.

The U23 Athlete of the Year Award was shared for the first time, with Darragh McElhinney (UCD AC) and Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) acknowledged for their remarkable achievements in 2021 which included an Olympic debut for Kenny, and a team gold medal and individual silver for McElhinney at the European Cross Country Championships in December.

“David initially took up the sport representing Firies in the Kerry Community Games," Farranfore Maine Valley AC PRO, Sean O’Shea, said.

"Under the watchful eye of club mentors Michael O’Connor and Jerm Crowley, he became a dedicated athlete winning numerous national titles at underage level. [As a result] he joined the Athletics Ireland high-performance race walking team coached by former World Champion and Olympic medallist Rob Heffernan.”

Last year was a breakthrough year for David. He placed second in the European U23 Athletics Championships in Estonia and finished 29th on his Olympic debut in Japan.

Already a champion this year, Kenny won the Irish Universities Championships last week.
He has his sights set on the World Student Games in China and the European Championships in Munich later in the year.

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Library upgrade to begin next week, two years after plan first mooted

Work on new, fully accessible public toilet facilities at Killarney Library is set to begin on Monday, July 20, marking the realisation of a project first tabled over two years […]

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5 hours ago

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14 July 2026

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Work on new, fully accessible public toilet facilities at Killarney Library is set to begin on Monday, July 20, marking the realisation of a project first tabled over two years ago.

The upgrade was initially put forward by Councillor Marie Moloney in May 2024, when she raised a motion at a Kerry County Council meeting highlighting the unacceptable lack of disabled toilets in a public building. At the time, Cllr Moloney noted that while access ramps were in place, several library users with disabilities were disappointed by the lack of facilities. “I will be keeping the pressure on to have these facilities provided as soon as possible,” she stated at the time.
Delivered by the Council’s Facilities Section, the upcoming works are expected to be completed in the autumn. The development will provide a new entrance to the toilet area, a fully accessible toilet, and baby changing facilities.
Killarney Library will remain open throughout the construction period, with all regular services continuing as normal. To ensure safety, the front porch, the existing public toilets, and the events room will be temporarily closed. Visitors will access the library via a signposted side entrance, and alternative public toilets will be available nearby at the High Street Car Park.

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Kerry Mountain Rescue issues warm weather warning

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) has issued a warm weather warning for anyone climbing in the region after being called to assist a walker on Sunday. The rescue team was […]

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5 hours ago

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14 July 2026

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Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) has issued a warm weather warning for anyone climbing in the region after being called to assist a walker on Sunday.

The rescue team was tasked to the Devil’s Ladder area of Carrauntoohil (Corrán Tuathail) to help a climber experiencing severe exhaustion and dehydration. Volunteers successfully assisted the walker down to an awaiting vehicle.
With the current heatwave continuing, KMRT is reminding all hillwalkers to prepare adequately before setting out.
The team recommends carrying at least one extra litre of water, wearing sunscreen, and using a peaked or wide-brimmed hat. Walkers should set out early in the morning to ensure they are off the mountains before the peak heat builds in the middle of the day.
KMRT also advises walkers to consider changing their plans to less strenuous routes or rescheduling their climbs entirely until temperatures drop.

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