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Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.
Máirín Hughes met President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Áras an Uachtaráin this week
Máirín Hughes met President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Áras an Uachtaráin this week
Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.
The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.
Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.
Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.
She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.
“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”
In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.
In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.
last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History - Irish Life and Lore’.
During the broadcast she talked about her parents' membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.
This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.
Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as part of an ambitious winter events schedule announced by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
The legendary sprinter will take centre stage for ‘An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth’ on Wednesday, October 7 at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The complimentary discussion event, sponsored by AIB, promises an inspiring insight into the career of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting figures.
The high-profile appearance forms part of a busy lineup of upcoming gatherings designed to connect local businesses and residents across the town.
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 with a Chamber Luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel, offering members a key networking opportunity ahead of the autumn season.
Chamber leadership highlighted that the autumn and winter series continues the organisation’s core mission of bringing the local community together and showcasing Killarney as an outstanding place to live, work, and belong.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke...
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
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