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Shock at the death of “wonderful community activist”

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There was a great sense of shock over the weekend when news of the death of Yvonne Quill, a Tidy Towns champion and wonderful community activist, became known.

Yvonne, from Barleymount and formerly of the Cafe, College Street, passed away following a short illness on Friday. Requiem Mass takes place this morning (Monday) at 11am in The Prince of Peace Church, Fossa, followed by burial in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President Niall Kelleher said she will be very fondly remembered as an incredibly dedicated woman, a strong personality who led by example and spearheaded the town’s Tidy Towns committee with such passion for over 25 years.

He recalled that her proudest day was when, as chairperson of the Killarney Looking Good Committee, she inspired Killarney to the prestigious overall national award in 2011 which had proved so elusive prior to that.

“Yvonne led by example and she never asked anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself. You would seldom see her without the yellow bib, playing her part and showing us all what needed to be done to give Killarney the edge,” Mr Kelleher said.

“While winning the overall prize was something special, Killarney has never been far from the top and it has won a gold medal almost every year which is testament to Yvonne’s great ability to organise, her steely determination and her unrivalled ability to rally the troops,” he added.

The Chamber President also remembered her as a great businesswoman, a master baker and confectioner whose café on College Street was a must-visit for a whole generation of Killarney people and visitors.

“Yvonne Quill has left a great legacy in her home town. We thank her for what she has done, we’ll remember her incredible work ethic and we’ll ensure her name will live on in Killarney by continuing the commitment to the Tidy Towns initiative."

Johnny McGuire, a member of the executive of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, who worked alongside Yvonne at the helm of the Tidy Towns committee, said she was a born leader who inspired the whole community and always led by example.

“Killarney would never have won the All-Ireland Tidy Towns award without her. She was the inspirational captain of the winning team. Yvonne worked night and day and, when it came to Tidy Towns, there was no downtime for her,” Mr McGuire said.

“Her commitment to the cause brought her into every school and every housing estate in Killarney. Working closely with the late Fr Michael Murphy, her great friend, Kathleen Foley, and others, they really put Killarney in contention for the top awards every year. The name Yvonne Quill was known and respected in Tidy Towns circles throughout the entire country – she really was a legend and everything she turned her hand to,
she succeeded. Killarney will miss her,” he added.

She will be deeply missed by her husband John, children Peter, Sandra and Sean, her son-in-law Peter, daughter-in-law Mairéad, grandchildren Anna, Jake, Ted, Abby and Luke, sister Angela Mulvey, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and extended family, friends, neighbours and the community.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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