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400 people living in the same place “not ideal” – Chamber

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has raised concerns about the number of people from different ethnic backgrounds living together in temporary accommodation.

The Chamber issued a statement following Sunday’s mass brawl at Hotel Killarney where up to 400 International Protection applicants are now living.

The Chamber has welcomed assurances from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, that steps are being taken to safeguard against such incidents happening again.

Minister O’Gorman has confirmed to the Chamber that he is liaising closely with An Garda Síochána on the matter and that measures will be taken, in the immediate term, to deal with the issues.

Attempts by the Killarney Advertiser to contact Minister O’Gorman's office this week were not successful.

“We look forward to a positive and effective outcome from those talks,” the Chamber said.

“The Chamber fully concurs with local sentiment that having 400 people, of several nationalities, in one temporary international asylum seeker centre is far from ideal and a proper, safer and more sensible government policy is required going forward.

“The Chamber is of the view, and has expressed it in the past, that there has been a serious and unacceptable lack of communication between the State agencies involved in sourcing accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees and local authorities, community organisations and services providers at a local level.”

The Chamber also called for a measured approach to the incident and expressed confidence in An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service's efforts to bring the case to a successful conclusion.

“Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce was very concerned and disappointed to learn of the events that happened. While acknowledging that the reported violence that broke out was an isolated incident and must be looked at in context, such behaviour can never be tolerated and is not welcome in Killarney.

“Obviously, this negative publicity is most unwelcome and must be condemned and we understand the genuine concerns expressed by local organisations and individuals.

“We have every confidence in An Garda Síochána’s ability to bring those responsible to justice and it is understood that efforts are being made to prevent potential future flashpoints from occurring.”

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Film Festival launches new monthly film club

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The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) has announced the launch of the KIFF Film Club, a new initiative bringing modern Irish cinema and documentaries to the big screen at Cinema Killarney.

Supported by Screen Ireland through the Audience Development Fund, the club aims to foster local audience engagement with high-quality domestic filmmaking.

The series will debut on Wednesday, March 25, at 8pm with a screening of Christy. The film arrives in Killarney following significant critical success, having recently secured IFTA awards for both Best Film and Best Director.

Set on the northside of Cork city, the drama follows the titular character as he moves in with his estranged brother and begins to find his place within the local community.

The club’s second instalment is scheduled for April 22 at 8pm, featuring the documentary Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man.

This production offers a perspective on the conflict in Northern Ireland through previously unseen footage and photographs, alongside exclusive interviews.


Tickets for the screenings are priced at €8 per person, plus a booking fee. As part of the club experience, attendees will be offered a complimentary cup of tea or coffee before each film begins.

Tickets for the March and April screenings are currently available for purchase through the official festival website at kerryfilmfestival.com.

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Scorchers Florida bound for All-Star Worlds final

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Excitement is building in Killarney as the Scorchers Cheerleading Team, Code Black, have received a major boost ahead of next month’s All Star World Championships in Orlando.

Securing a prestigious bid, after taking home first place at their most recent competition, which allows them to bypass the preliminary ‘Battle Round’ and advance directly to the semi-finals of the All Star World Championships.

“Receiving a bid like this is recognition of the hard work, discipline and teamwork the squad has shown all season. said Katlyn Moynihan “It puts them in a strong position heading into the championships.”

The All Star World Championships brings together the very best teams from all over the world to compete and celebrate cheer. The judging panel, in Orlando, is made up of the most respected and experienced figures in global cheerleading, and whose expertise shape the sport at the highest level.

With the competition just weeks away, the athletes remain focused on refining their routine and strengthening their performance before proudly representing their club and Kerry in Florida next month. Now, they’re hoping the county will rally behind them, sharing their story, cheering them on, and celebrating these remarkable young athletes carrying the Kerry name with pride.

The team will also host a Fundraising Quiz Night on Friday, March 27 at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.


Teams of four can enter for €40; come along, enjoy the night and help this talented team turn their world championship dream into reality.

The team are continuing their fundraising drive ahead of the All Star World Championships in Orlando, with donations – big or small – welcomed through their iDonate page https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/scorcherscheerleading.

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