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Rising cycling star selected for Belgium Project

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3 years ago

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BELGIUM BOUND: Sam Bolger will race in Belgium later this year.

By Sean Moriarty

Killarney cyclist Sam Bolger (18) has been selected as one of four riders for the Belgian Project – one of the most prestigious stepping stones for Irish riders with ambitions to turn professional.

Northern Ireland-based Belgian Danny Blondell is the man behind the project.

For the last 15 years Blondell selects between four and six Irish riders and sends them to Belgium where they stay with local families and contest pro and semi-pro races.

As a race commentator Blondell is well placed to decide who is deserving of inclusion in the project.

Over the first six months of the year he makes decisions while attending early season races.

Those lucky enough to get selected go to live and race in Belgium for the second six months of the year.

Bolger, from Lewis Road, was selected after winning the junior race in the Cycling Ireland National Road Series in Mayo in March and the Orwell Stage Race in County Wicklow in June.

“He is delighted, it is a very big deal,” his father Paul told the Killarney Advertiser.

“He has had a very good year and the wins in Mayo and Wicklow secured the Belgium Project.”

Bolger will head to Belgium in late July and after to the Junior Tour of Ireland which takes place in County Clare between July 12 and 17.

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‘Bounty’ for Deer Hunters

Farming representatives in Kerry are calling on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to introduce a financial incentive for hunters to control the county’s growing deer population. The […]

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31 minutes ago

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11 September 2025

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Farming representatives in Kerry are calling on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to introduce a financial incentive for hunters to control the county’s growing deer population.

The request has been supported by Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.
Deputy Cahill said the number of Red and Sika deer in Kerry has increased sharply in recent years, with animals now appearing in fields, gardens, and on roads across the county. He warned that deer pose a danger to public safety and can carry ticks that spread Lyme disease.
“Everybody is aware that the Red and Sika deer have moved far beyond the confines of Killarney National Park, roaming freely through Kerry, damaging crops and gardens and are a real threat to life and limb on our roads,” he said.
He added that previous efforts to cull herds have been unsuccessful. “Our farming body representatives are among the stakeholders who should be consulted and all possible solutions considered to improve the situation,” Deputy Cahill said.
Similar bounty schemes have been used successfully in the past for foxes and seals. Deputy Cahill confirmed he has submitted a Parliamentary Question to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to introduce a bounty for deer.
“I believe it is important to incentivise hunters to control deer numbers and assist in preventing accidents and tragedies in County Kerry,” he said.

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Royal appoints new General Manager

Killarney Royal Townhouse has appointed Pat McGrath as its new General Manager. Originally from the West of Ireland, Pat brings more than a decade of hospitality experience in Killarney, including […]

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2 hours ago

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11 September 2025

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Killarney Royal Townhouse has appointed Pat McGrath as its new General Manager.

Originally from the West of Ireland, Pat brings more than a decade of hospitality experience in Killarney, including leadership roles at Lough Rynn Castle, The Landmark Hotel, Killarney Plaza Hotel, The Ross Hotel, and most recently as Head of Hospitality at Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company.
“Pat brings a wealth of experience to the role, and we are confident that under his leadership we will continue to provide genuine hospitality and incredible experiences to our guests,” said Michael Jacobi, Managing Director of Scally Hotel Collection.
Pat will also oversee the hotel’s refreshed positioning following upgrades to guest rooms and the building’s façade. The hotel recently launched Fig, a casual dining concept offering an all-day menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

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