Connect with us

News

Chamber’s tribute to former President

Published

on

0278778_78f84a83-3bd2-4d31-a76e-53d407e56b9b7207e64bce8fb69a4f9aa74941868502746f115657c98b55.jpeg

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has paid tribute to  Patrick Walsh, a prominent Killarney businessman and one of the county’s most respected and successful building contractors who has passed away.

Patrick was President of the Chamber in 1984-85 and during his term in office a number of important projects were implemented, including initiatives to considerably enhance the visual image of the town centre.

Chamber said Patrick was very generous with the time he devoted to the organisation and he was a very steady hand as the executive committee at the time worked on several ideas to help to create a better Killarney.

Given that he was originally from Farranfore, it was no surprise that Patrick became a keen aviation enthusiast and he qualified to hold his own pilot’s licence.

He was hugely involved in the development of Farranfore Airport and his vision, drive and know-how helped, in no small way, to write several chapters in the success story that is the Kerry Airport of today.

Chamber said while the airport was built initially to boost tourism and the manufacturing industry in Kerry, which it continues to do, thanks to the pioneering spirit of Patrick Walsh and others of vision, the people of the Kerry are now among its principal users.

A building contractor of national renown, Patrick Walsh was responsible for many landmark developments in Killarney and throughout Kerry but a real monument to his craftsmanship is the striking Prince of Peace Church in Fossa.

Close on half a century after its construction, it is still considered one of the most spectacular places of worship in the country and, given its setting overlooking the lakes and mountains from its feature altar viewing point, it is no surprise that it is one of the most in demand churches for wedding ceremonies.

With Patrick and his team working closely with then Parish Priest Fr James Galvin, the foundation stone for the church was laid in the summer of 1976 and the Prince of Peace Church was consecrated by Bishop Kevin McNamara on 5th June 1977.

Chamber noted that, over the years, Patrick was also involved in the vast majority of the maintenance projects in the churches and buildings under the ownership of the Killarney Parish and that involvement is continued today by his son, Martin, who is keeping the Walsh family name to the fore in the construction industry.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has extended sincere sympathy to Patrick’s family, Fr Padraig, Martin, Elma and Canice, daughter-in-law Pamela, sons-in-law Declan and Micheál, his grandchildren Amy, Adam, Gavin, Stephen, Ian, Patrick and Ella, brother Tom, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Patrick was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and his brothers Sean, Tadhg, Seamus and Mick.

Advertisement

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

News

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. […]

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport