News
Rena’s Christmas legacy lives on
The spirit of the late Rena Kennelly continues to shine in Killarney this Christmas season.
Her family has carried on her legacy by overseeing the annual installation of the stunning Christmas crib in St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Rena dedicated much of her life to making Killarney a magical place during the festive period. For over five decades, she meticulously crafted the life-sized crib, sourcing materials like moss and fir trees herself.
Rena, who passed away last March, lived in Aghadoe, Killarney and formerly at Cleeny, Killarney and Ballymullen, Tralee.
Last year, a new, state-of-the-art crib was unveiled, designed for a new generation. Even then, Kennelly was actively involved in its creation. This year, her daughter Kate Kennelly and her grandchildren, along with the help of Andrew Joy and Fr. Kieran O'Brien, have continued the family tradition.
Her dedication to her community was recognised with the prestigious Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis and a civic award from Kerry County Council.
“Rena was a wonderfully creative and gifted woman and we all saw her remarkable work in the cathedral every year,” said Cllr Niall Kelleher, Chairman of the Christmas in Killarney Committee.”
Spa GAA has finalised a deal with Cork-based renewable firm ePower to install two electric vehicle (EV) charging points at its club grounds in Killarney.
The move makes the club one of the very first GAA organisations in County Kerry to provide dedicated, on-site charging infrastructure for drivers.
The dual-socket units will be situated directly within the club’s main car park, offering charging accessibility to members, visiting supporters, and patrons.
The new ePower facilities are designed to support local EV drivers and visitors traveling to the club’s various sporting events throughout the season.
Ukrainian Olympian joins parkrun for annual Chestnut Run
It is not every day an Olympian joins the Killarney parkrun, but participants had exactly that experience last Saturday, when two-time Ukrainian Olympic skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych joined the event at Killarney House and Gardens.
Heraskevych completed the 5km route alongside members of both the local and Ukrainian communities as part of the annual Ukrainian Chestnut Run. The charity tradition originated in Kyiv 33 years ago and has been organised locally by the Killarney Ukrainian community for the past four years.
The athlete previously captured global attention at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina with his “Helmet of Memory” tribute to fallen athletes.
His appearance in Killarney was part of a week-long tour of athletic and educational centres across south-west Ireland. He spent Friday night in Tralee ahead of the Saturday morning run. During his stay in the region, Heraskevych visited the MTU Tralee campus to meet with students, researchers, and local representatives to discuss sports diplomacy, sustainability, and inclusive sports.
Spa GAA leads the way with new on-site EV charging stations
Spa GAA has finalised a deal with Cork-based renewable firm ePower to install two electric vehicle (EV) charging points at its club...
Ukrainian Olympian joins parkrun for annual Chestnut Run
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