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Calls for common sense approach to refugee crisis

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By Sean Moriarty

A former mayor of Killarney who is a board member of KASI has become voice of reason following last Sunday’s violent episode in Hotel Killarney.

A total of six people were injured and eight arrested following a fracas at the hotel that is home to a number of people seeking International Protection (see separate stories).

KASI’s role in Killarney is to help new arrivals settle in their new surrounds by offering English classes and guidance on how to access services. It does not influence Government policy in anyway.

Michael Gleeson sits on the Killarney Immigrant Support Centre (KASI) board.

He told the Killarney Advertiser that the government has made mistakes in accommodating refugees and International Protection applicants in Killarney but that is not an excuse for people to engage in racism.

“KASI is opposed to all racist commentary, the asylum seekers and Ukrainians are not here of their own ruminations. Some of them are coming from very traumatic situations and have risked life and limb,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“We, as a relatively affluent country, must help in the short term until we determine where their future lies.”

However, he added that the government has made mistakes and that too many people were placed in Hotel Killarney and that is leading to the problems witnessed on Sunday night.

“The density of the population is excessive, at the time there was an influx of Ukrainians, and a large number of asylum seekers and emergency action was taken,” he added.

“I hope that the minister will look at relocating people to a more appropriate setting that is in line with their ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations.”

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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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