Local author Michelle Hadad has released the second edition of her book, The Secret Box: Concave & Convex, as part of her ongoing series The Secret Box: What We Hide.

The updated publication explores the shift in Irish people’s behavior and emotional wellbeing in the years following the pandemic.

The book examines the balance between our inner and outer lives, focusing on the everyday emotional realities of post-pandemic Ireland.

According to the author, the series aims to offer readers insight and reflection on what we choose to reveal or hide from others without using clinical labels.

It addresses a growing need for connection and meaning in a changed social landscape.
Supporting local retail is a key priority for this launch.

The book is now stocked and available for purchase at O’Connor’s Newsagents on Beech Road, and at Beaufort Post Office.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is inviting applications for the Junior Ranger+ Programme, which will take place in Killarney National Park from March 2026.

The popular programme is being hosted once again by staff at the Killarney National Park Education Centre and is aimed at teenagers aged between 14 and 17 who have an interest in the outdoors, wildlife and conservation. The programme will begin on Saturday, March 7, and will be based at Muckross School House, the Arthur Vincent Hostel and other locations throughout the National Park.
Junior Ranger+ runs one Saturday per month in March, April and May, with a final double session taking place on Friday evening and Saturday morning on June 26 and 27. Each session will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm, though some days may run slightly longer depending on activities.
The programme builds on the experiences offered through the regular Junior Ranger camps and gives participants a more hands-on role in caring for the National Park. Activities will include conserving plants, animals and habitats, exploring lesser-known areas of the park, map reading and navigation, footpath maintenance, guided hikes, invasive species management and ecological surveys. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop new skills while working as part of a team and making new friends.
The cost of the Junior Ranger+ Programme is €100, which can be paid on the first day of the course. Places are strictly limited and demand is expected to be high.
The closing date for applications is Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants will be notified by February 28 if they have been successful.
Application forms are available online and can be accessed by following this link:
https://forms.gle/4Q6Rmzq2cHwtSSnj8
Further information is also available on the Killarney National Park Facebook and Instagram pages.