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New faces at the helm of Killarney Chamber

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Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has appointed a new senior executive to oversee the day-to-day running of the business organisation.

The chamber announced Bridget O’Keeffe, a native of Newmarket, Co Cork and a Killarney resident, as its new chief at its Annual General Meeting on Friday.

She will work closely with events manager Katy Jacobi and the Chamber executive.

This is a new departure for the Chamber but follows other similar moves by commercial bodies across the country.

Friday’s AGM marked Niall Kelleher’s last official engagement as Chamber president.

He will be replaced by hotelier Pádraig Treacy and restaurateur Johnny McGuire who will share the role.

“We have one chance to get this new governance and development plan right at the first opportunity, but we must show a little patience along the way and we must do it properly by making an effort every day of the week,” Mr Kelleher said in his outgoing speech.

“Bringing the Chamber to exactly where the members want it to be will take time. It will take perseverance and it will take hard work, but that work will have to be done – it will be done and we will get there one step at a time.”

GOING FORWARD

Bridget O’Keeffe, who formerly worked with Fexco, has set out a list of objectives for the future.

They include boosting Chamber membership numbers, addressing key issues such as parking, traffic management and public realm developments.

“Going forward, Chamber will also be forming a number of sub-committees to oversee essential areas such as membership and management, brand communication and reputational management, advocacy, events and sustainability,” said a Chamber statement.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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