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Kevin Leahy’s ‘miraculous achievement” across the Arctic

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Organisers of the Montane Arctic Spine Race – won by Arctic explorer Kevin Leahy – have said that all future editions of the race will be a search to find someone who can surpass the Killarney man’s achievements.

inThe Montane Arctic Spine Race is a non-stop, 472-km foot race along the Kungsleden Trail in Arctic Sweden, through one of the most stunning winter landscapes in the world.

Kilcummin athlete Kev Leahy was declared the winner of the first edition of the race earlier this week.

Competitors started at Abisko at 9am on February 6 as they began a journey through snowfields, Arctic tundra and frozen woodlands flanked by Sweden’s highest mountains.

The aim was the finish line at Hemavan within 192 hours in what was an expedition race that required self-sufficiency and proficiency in cold weather management, with temperatures as low as -35°C and winds as high as 40 mph.

Leahy, the winner of the 100-mile version of the Montane Yukon Ultra in 2020 and second in the full 500km Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in 2022, was the last person standing as the race approached the revised finish line near Hemavan on Wednesday.

He was alone on the course since fellow competitor Ed Sellon finished the shorter Arctic Challenger course in Kvikkjokk two days previously.

Leahy’s achievement was both record-breaking and trail blazing.

“Since then every kilometre he covered has been a record, and every hour that he remained out there has been a miraculous achievement,” said an event statement.

“As the person who managed to comfortably cover the furthest distance, Kev is our winner this year. All future editions of the Arctic Spine Race will be a search for somebody able to build on and surpass his incredible performance.”

Kevin Leahy powered his way across the Arctic in support of Asiam.ie. Learn more and show your support via this link: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/500kmskiforautism

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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