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Fassbender’s motor racing dream comes true

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Fossa’s Michael Fassbender says his appearance at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans is a “dream come true,”

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The world’s greatest endurance gets underway at 3pm (Irish time) on Saturday.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

The anniversary race will again take place in front of full grandstands for the first time in two years.
Fassbender is driving for the Proton Competition team and will share a Porsche 911 RSR with Matt Campbell (Australia) and Zach Robichon (Canada) in the legendary twice-around the clock race.

“With the start in Le Mans, my dream as a racing driver has come true. That's what I've been working towards for the last few years. I'm happy to have such an experienced team and such strong teammates at my side in this legendary race,” said Fassbender.

The event on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures at Le Mans is extremely popular with motor racing fans and marks the highlight of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The storied circuit south of the city with its 150,000 inhabitants consists mainly of public roads. Normally, hundreds of trucks and cars drive over the legendary Mulsanne straight every day on their way from Le Mans to Tours.

After extensive restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 90th edition of the Le Mans 24- hour race will be contested in front of a large crowd. Up to 250,000 fans are expected at La Sarthe.

For the first time since 2019, spectators will once again be treated to special events such the public technical scrutineering, the drivers’ parade and the pit-lane tour with concerts and other highlights.

Sunday was reserved for the so-called pre-tests on the Circuit des 24 Heures – the only chance for teams and drivers to familiarise themselves with the special characteristics of the circuit before the race week kicks off.

The long-distance classic, which was held for the first time in 1923, can look back on an eventful history full of triumphs and tragedies. The best racing drivers have immortalized themselves in the list of winners of the most famous long-distance race in the world.

As a debutante at the French long-distance classic, like all rookies, Fassbender first had to fulfill certain prerequisites before heading out for his first real drive on the legendary racetrack. For first-timers, the rules require a simulator test. Here, drivers must familiarise themselves with how to behave during safety car phases, slow zones, and other safety measures, which at times differ significantly on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit des 24 Heures compared to other racetracks.

Michael Fassbender has documented his personal “Road to Le Mans” journey in his own YouTube series: www.porsche.com/RoadToLeMans.

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Killarney Innovation Centre seeking funding for major expansion

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The Killarney Innovation Centre has announced plans for a new building project to meet the growing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

The not-for-profit centre, which has operated for over 25 years, aims to expand its capacity to provide workspace and growth supports for local businesses.

Plans for the expansion have been in development for two years.

However, the centre is currently facing challenges in securing the capital financing needed to begin construction.

Management noted that while the demand for space is clear, existing government supports for such infrastructure are limited and difficult to access.

“This project is about creating the conditions in which businesses can thrive and contribute to the regional economy,” said Mr Counihan, Centre Chairperson. “The demand we are seeing reflects the ambition of local enterprises, and it is essential that infrastructure keeps pace with that growth.”

Over the past two years, the board has engaged with various funding bodies and agencies to secure financial backing.

Mr Counihan expressed frustration at the current funding landscape, stating there is a “disconnect between recognised need and available supports.”

The centre is calling for a renewed focus on capital investment for enterprise hubs, highlighting that such projects deliver long-term returns through job creation and regional competitiveness.

The proposed build would allow the centre to accommodate more businesses and provide enhanced services for evolving industry needs.

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Aghadoe Heights Hotel appoints new Spa Manager

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Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa has announced the appointment of Lorna Jankovic as Spa Manager.

The move marks a significant step in the hotel’s continued investment in luxury wellness as it prepares to unveil new innovations at its award-winning facility.

Jankovic brings extensive experience from senior roles in luxury hotels and destination spas across Ireland and Europe.

Her career includes positions at The Shelbourne in Dublin, Corinthia Hotels International in the UK, Malta, and Portugal, as well as experience with wellness cruiseliner Steiner Transocean.
“Our aim is to offer something that feels like a true reset,” said Jankovic. “We want guests to step away from constant stimulation and reconnect through touch, presence and thoughtful care. It’s about creating space for intentional rest and holistic luxury.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the spa, with several developments set to be announced in the coming months.

These include the introduction of new treatments, the expansion of bespoke therapies, and updated holistic wellness programming.

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