News
Pat retires after 43 years’ service
Kerry National Ambulance Service has congratulated a long term employee on his retirement after 43 years of excellent service to the people of Kerry.
Pat O’Callaghan retired as Operations Manager for Kerry National Ambulance Service. He joined the ambulance service on March 12, 1979 and worked in multiple Ambulance Stations throughout the county.
Mr O’Callaghan was promoted to the position of Ambulance Controller on April 27 1984, when St Catherine’s Hospital closed, and Tralee General Hospital (now known as University Hospital Kerry) opened. He had the privilege to transfer the last patient from St Catherine’s Hospital and close the door for the last time.
In 2010, Mr O’Callaghan was promoted to the office of Manager of the Ambulance Service for Kerry. The service has changed and evolved over the years since he first joined in 1979, from what was basically a transport service with just one person for ambulance service, to current highly trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Paramedics and Advance Paramedics.
“I enjoyed every minute of my 43 years of service and while it was a challenging role it was most rewarding with a great sense of satisfaction. The service provided the best possible care that a patient requires in the pre-hospital setting, supported by the most up to date equipment, telecommunication and ambulance fleet," Pat said.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026...
Innovation Centre marks 25 years
Innovation Centre marks 25 years The Killarney Technology and Innovation Centre (KTIC) is celebrating 25 years of supporting local business...
Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish
Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish Following the recent celebration of significant wedding anniversaries in St Joseph’s Church,...
Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success
Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success Organisers of Oireachtas na Samhna have confirmed that the...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
