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Busy year for Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

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By Sean Moriarty

Members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) spent 3,100 hours on rescue missions in local mountains last year.

KMRT dealt with 57 callouts and helped a total of 71 people in 2022.

While this number was lower than in 2021, total callout hours are up due to the nature and complexity of a number of the incidents handled during the year.

One fatality was recorded in the mountains last year.

The majority of callouts were to the mountains of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks with many callouts on the Dingle and Beara peninsulas.

Slips, falls and lost parties accounted for the vast majority of incidents which the 38 volunteers with the group deal with.

“Though accidents can and do happen to even the most experienced mountaineers, the main trend in incidents over the past few years (excluding lockdown) involved a significant number of inexperienced and ill-equipped parties on the hills,” Colm Burke, KMRT PRO, said.

“We would strongly advise people new to the mountains to ensure they research their chosen activity well in advance and employ the services of a guide or join a club to learn the skills required for a safe and enjoyable adventure.”

TRAINING 2022

The team spent an additional 2,300 training in the mountains last year.

“In addition to callouts the team continued to train regularly throughout the year, logging over 2,300 hours and ensuring that essential core skills such as First Aid, casualty care and evacuation, technical ropework, navigation, 4x4, and radio communications were refreshed and newer skills and techniques well-practised in the harshest weather conditions,” Mr Burke added.

A highlight of 2022 was the recent commencement of the base extension at New Road, Killarney. The extension will provide much-needed facilities including additional equipment storage space, a drying room and a meeting room, all of which will enhance the team’s operational capabilities.

“We look forward to the completion of the extension in 2023,” he added.

“We would like to extend sincere thanks to all those who have donated funds to the team over the year. The team relies heavily on donations to meet our annual running costs and we very much appreciate the effort that donors and fundraisers make in this regard.

“A huge thanks to the local communities who came out in force to support the team during a number of difficult operations, opening their doors at all hours of the day and night to provide warm drinks and food to very grateful rescuers. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support.”

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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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