News
Jordan Lee to tell his story to the county’s schools
Paralympian Jordan Lee will share his experiences with schools all over Kerry.
The Killarney man has embarked on a countywide tour 'Jordan's Drive' in association with Kelliher's Garage, a series of informal talks on his achievements and how he overcame his disability to reach the top of his chosen sport.
The 21-year-old was born with a foreshortened left arm known as amniotic band syndrome but has enjoyed a successful sports career which included representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.
Now he wants to share his story and inspire other students to follow their dreams.
His tour started last week at Colaiste na Sceilge in Cahersiveen and over the next few weeks, depending on his training schedule, will visit schools in Firies, Milltown, and Killarney.
“Don’t be afraid of people with disabilities or different backgrounds,” he said. “A few years ago there was only typical people in classrooms – you never came across people with disabilities or from various different countries. It is a lot more mixed now. I want to inspire people to treat everyone on the same level.”
'Jordan's Drive' is made possible thanks to his role as a brand ambassador for Kelliher’s Garage, dealer principal, Tim Kelliher explained to the Killarney Advertiser.
“Having got to know Jordan so well over the last couple of years we have come to realise how much of an inspiration he is so we decided to ask him to hop into his Toyota CHR Hybrid and bring his story out into the highways and byways of the Kingdom,” he said.
“Headlined ‘Jordans Drive’ and organised by my marketing team headed by Yvonne McMahon they have travelled to many of the schools around Kerry from Cahersiveen to Beaufort, Killorglin and with other dates planned for Firies and Milltown to name but a few. He has spoken his many words of wisdom to the children who have been in awe of the journey and his achievements, and we at Kelliher’s Garage are delighted and proud to have him as our brand ambassador.”
New Dutch flights to connect Groningen and Kerry Airport
Tourism across Kerry is set for a boost following the announcement of direct charter flights from the Netherlands to Kerry Airport for the 2027 summer season.
Dutch tour operator BBI Travel will introduce weekly flights from Groningen Airport Eelde to Farranfore every Thursday from April 29 to September 6, 2027. The service will be operated by regional carrier Sky Alps using its fleet of aircraft.
The announcement comes following strong passenger growth at Kerry Airport, which handled 440,367 passengers in 2025 before recording a further 12 per cent increase during the first six months of 2026. The new European link will provide direct access for Dutch tourists visiting Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and the wider Wild Atlantic Way route.
BBI Travel, which has specialised in Irish travel packages since 1963, will offer combined flight, accommodation, and car hire packages. The service will run alongside the operator’s existing Monday flights to Ireland West Airport Knock, allowing open-jaw itineraries across the west coast.
Welcoming the new route, Kerry Airport Customer Service Manager Evelyn Crowley said:
“We are delighted that BBI Travel has chosen Kerry Airport as its new destination for 2027. BBI Travel has an excellent track record and more than 60 years’ experience in bringing visitors to Ireland, so this new partnership is a significant vote of confidence in Kerry and the wider south-west as a destination for Dutch holidaymakers.
“The great advantage for passengers is that they arrive right in the heart of Ireland’s tourism capital. Kerry Airport is just 15 minutes from Killarney and Tralee, on the doorstep of the spectacular Ring of Kerry and within 50 minutes of Dingle and the Wild Atlantic Way.
“Our new state-of-the-art Arrivals Hall, with modern baggage handling and passport control facilities and our staff will provide a warm and efficient welcome from the moment passengers land in Kerry.
“That convenience continues on the journey home, with a short and efficient trip through security into our spacious and comfortable Departures Lounge. Passengers can enjoy a local tipple in Peig Sayers Bar or a snack in the Sky Bar before boarding their direct flight back to Groningen.
“We look forward to working with BBI Travel and welcoming their passengers to Kerry in 2027.”
Packages and flights for the 2027 summer schedule are expected to go on sale through BBI Travel in the coming months.
Eoin Cashman named Kerry’s sole Naughton Scholar
Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luacha student Eoin Cashman has been honoured as County Kerry’s sole recipient of the prestigious Naughton Scholarship for 2026.
Eoin received the award at an official ceremony held at Trinity College Business School on Saturday, October 17.
The Naughton Scholarships recognise outstanding students entering third-level education in STEM subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Eoin was accompanied at the Dublin presentation by his parents, Marian and Pat Cashman, alongside SPSL Principal Mairéad Lucey.
The scholarship follows an exceptional Leaving Certificate performance where Eoin achieved seven H1 grades. His passion for STEM extended well beyond the classroom, having reached the SciFest 2025 National Final as overall runner-up and winning the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Award to represent Ireland in Phoenix, Arizona.
The funding will support Eoin in his current studies at University College Cork, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Astrophysics.
As part of the award, Eoin will travel to Kylemore Abbey in March 2027 for a special gathering bringing together past and present Naughton Scholars from across Ireland.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD congratulated the scholars, encouraging them to maintain critical thinking and independent thought throughout their third-level journeys. Mrs Carmel Naughton also addressed the gathering, expressing immense pride in the class of 2026.
SPSL Principal Mairéad Lucey commended the Rathmore student on his achievement:
“Eoin’s academic achievements are a source of immense pride for the entire SPSL school community. His Naughton Scholarship follows an exceptional Leaving Certificate performance in 2026, when he achieved seven H1 grades as well as his strong commitment to STEM beyond the classroom, reaching the SciFest 2025 National Final and being awarded Overall Runner-Up and also winning the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Award, earning them the right to represent Ireland at the Regeneron ISEF world finals in Phoenix, Arizona.”
The school management and wider Rathmore community extended their congratulations to Eoin and his parents, Marian and Pat, as he continues his academic career in UCC.
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