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Is it time to raise umbrellas over Main Street?

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THE introduction of street coverings over parts of our town centre is once again being discussed in Killarney. After raising the matter at the recent meeting of Killarney Municipal District, Councillor Michael Gleeson noted that he had in recent years also highlighted it to the now-abolished Killarney Town Council. "As a town councillor, I proposed to Killarney Town Council that serious consideration would be given to the introduction of street coverings at locations where locals and visitors gather to re-create and relax,” he told Killarney Advertiser.
“The council accepted that the proposal had merit and decided to investigate the matter. Towards that end the factory that manufactures street umbrellas was visited.
The council was giving serious consideration to the erecting some on the pedestrianised part of Main Street.” It was intended to have detailed discussions with property owners along that street and their views would be carefully considered, added Cllr Gleeson.
“Sadly, before progress could be made, Minister Phil Hogan wielded his ruthless axe and abolished the town council,” he said. “In the belief that my original proposal may have some merit and some interest for the Killarney Municipal Area council. The response from the council was that the proposal had merit but that it needs further examination in relation to location, streetscape impact, procurement, ongoing maintenance and cost. We await the result of those investigations and the views of the public."
Engineer Paudie O’Mahoney has over the years highlighted his concept for large canvas covers for the streets. “We live in one of the wettest areas of the country,” he reasoned. “If we put out a few large canvas overs on the street I guarantee you people will like them.”
Both Mr O’Mahoney and Cllr Gleeson noted that street coverings would be of immense benefit when it came to staging outdoor events in Killarney as well as attracting shoppers, offering shelter from the elements no matter what the weather.
 


 
Above, our colourful and whimsical take on the concept.

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Céilí Mór will send ‘em home sweatin’

It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this […]

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It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney.

It will take place on the eve of the big feast day in the Killarney Great Southern and there will be a wonderful party atmosphere guaranteed on the night.
Providing the tunes will be the very highly regarded Uí Bhriaín Céilí Band and they promise to send everybody home sweating after what will be a memorable night for locals and visitors.
The March 16 céilí will commence at 9.00pm and continue right through until midnight and the admission for a wonderful night of pure Irish trad is just €10.00.
Bookings can be made on the festival website or patrons can pay at the door on the night.

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St Brendan’s student Aodhagan O’Sullivan crowned CPR champion

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Aodhagan O’Sullivan, a student at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, has been named the 2026 School CPR Challenge Champion.

The prestigious award was presented on Thursday, 26 February, during a large-scale event at the Gleneagle Hotel, where approximately 300 students from post-primary schools across the county gathered to compete for the title of “who can compress the best.”


Now in its fourth year, the event is organised by the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) Community First Responders.

The KCRU is a volunteer-led group that provides vital emergency response services to Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Firies, Rathmore, and Kenmare.

The challenge focused on “Quality CPR” (QCPR), combining a high-stakes competition with practical life-saving training and the chance for students to engage directly with local emergency and community services.


The competition utilised advanced QCPR technology to measure the depth and rate of compressions, ensuring that students aren’t just learning the motions, but are performing life-saving techniques to a clinical standard.

Beyond the competitive element, the day served as an educational hub, highlighting the “chain of survival” and the importance of immediate bystander intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest.


The 2026 challenge was made possible through the support of the Vodafone Foundation, The Gleneagle Hotel, and First Aid Systems Ltd, alongside a variety of local sponsors. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the 300 participants, noting that such events are essential for building a “heart-safe” community and equipping the next generation with the skills to save a life.

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