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Killarney-born New York travel agent passes away

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There was an air of sadness as news filtered through Michael ‘Stephen' Healy passed away peacefully at his Pearl River home June 20.

The New York-based Killarney man was best known as a travel agent in New York that brought thousands of American visitors and returning emigrants to Killarney over the years.

Steve was born on January 12,1936 in Kilbrean and grew up with five siblings on a farm.

His father, Michael died when he was two, and his mother, Catherine, raised the family on her own.

He attended Tiernaboul National School and St. Brendan’s College and enjoyed rowing and playing Gaelic football for his local clubs.

Steve moved to London in 1954 where he worked in a tyre factory.

In 1956, he immigrated to Chicago, and served in the US Army, gaining US citizenship.

Steve later made his way to New York City in 1957 where he met his best friend, Connie O’Sullivan.

Connie introduced Steve to his wife Anne on a blind date - ironic because they both hailed from Killarney!
In June of 1966, Connie and Steve opened their first of several travel agencies.

After residing in the Bronx for a few years, like many immigrant stories preceding them, Steve and Anne moved to the suburb of Pearl River, in October of 1966, and raised four children together.

As time passed, Steve and Anne became active members of the Kerrymen’s Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians , Rockland Gaelic Football Club, the Irish Travel Agents Association, and St. Margaret’s Church, among other groups.

Steve also loved returning home to his beloved Killarney to see his various Spillane and Healy relatives.
Steve is survived by his wife Anne (nee Carbery), children Sean, Liam, Tara and Colleen, siblings Mary Spillane and John Joe Healy and extended family.

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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