Connect with us

News

Mary Kissane O’Shea Retires after 45 years at St Francis’ Special School

Published

8 months ago

on

On Monday, September 1, Mary Kissane O’Shea marked her retirement by cycling from Kissane’s Shop in Beaufort to St Francis’ Special School, retracing the same journey she made on her very first day in 1980 at just 18 years of age.

Mary served as a Special Needs Assistant at the school for 45 years, dedicating her career to supporting generations of pupils.
To mark the occasion, a retirement function was held at The Dunloe Castle Hotel, where Principal Colin McGillycuddy made a special presentation on behalf of the staff and pupils.
Mary also turned her retirement into a fundraiser to support St Francis’ Special School, ensuring the students continue to benefit from a nurturing and supportive environment.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Kerry Airport secures major funding boost

Kerry Airport has been allocated over €2.76 million under the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This significant funding will support a variety of essential projects at the Farranfore base, including […]

Published

11 hours ago

on

30 April 2026

By

Kerry Airport has been allocated over €2.76 million under the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

This significant funding will support a variety of essential projects at the Farranfore base, including the replacement of fire tenders and the implementation of new safety and security upgrades.
The capital investment is part of a wider €8 million package aimed at supporting regional connectivity and economic development across the country. For Kerry, the funding is seen as a vital step in ensuring the airport can meet future demand while maintaining its infrastructure.
Basil Sheerin, Chief Financial Officer at Kerry Airport, welcomed the announcement and acknowledged the support of local representatives.
“Kerry Airport is very grateful to the Minister for Transport and the Kerry-based members of Government Minister Norma Foley, and Michael Cahill TD as well as Deputies Michael Healy-Rae, Danny Healy-Rae and Pa Daly for their steadfast support,” Mr Sheerin said. ”The funding provided for both operational and capital expenditure has been critical to delivering investment to upgrade safety and security infrastructure.”

Continue Reading

News

Minister Niall Collins visits KCYS Youth Diversion Project

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) was pleased to welcome Minister Niall Collins to its Youth Diversion Project in Kilarney last week. The visit gave the Minister an opportunity to meet […]

Published

2 days ago

on

28 April 2026

By

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) was pleased to welcome Minister Niall Collins to its Youth Diversion Project in Kilarney last week.

The visit gave the Minister an opportunity to meet staff and hear directly about the work of the Kerry Youth Diversion Project, including early intervention, family support, court accompaniment and wider youth justice practice across the county.
KCYS supports young people across a broad continuum of services in Kerry, from preventative and developmental youth work through to highly targeted interventions for young people and families facing significant challenge and complexity. The Youth Diversion Project forms an important part of that wider continuum of support.
Speaking following the visit, Seamus Whitty, CEO of KCYS, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Minister Collins to Kerry and to have the opportunity to give him a sense of the breadth and depth of the work being carried by the Youth Diversion Project here.
The Youth Diversion Project in Kerry is a strong and well-developed intervention, grounded in practice, informed by evidence, and marked by innovation in how it supports young people and families. It is part of a broader continuum of supports provided by KCYS, and it depends on strong collaboration across teams, services and community partners to make a real difference in people’s lives.
It is also important to acknowledge the Department’s continued commitment to youth justice. The policy direction in this area has been a progressive one, and that has created space for work of this kind to develop and respond to need in a meaningful way.”
The visit highlighted the scale and complexity of the work being carried by the KCYS team, and the importance of sustained investment in youth work responses for young people and families.

Continue Reading

Last News

News11 hours ago

Kerry Airport secures major funding boost

Kerry Airport has been allocated over €2.76 million under the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This significant funding will support...
News2 days ago

Minister Niall Collins visits KCYS Youth Diversion Project

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) was pleased to welcome Minister Niall Collins to its Youth Diversion Project in Kilarney last...
News3 days ago

Cllr O’Callaghan highlights deep-rooted bond between town and rally

Representing the Killarney Municipal District at Sunday’s Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes launch, Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan praised the...
News4 days ago

Kerry GAA stars on hand to launch May Festival at Racecourse

Live horse racing returns to Ireland’s most scenic track this May for the highly anticipated Killarney Races May Festival. The...
News4 days ago

‘Wheels on the Bus’ sing-song for mental health fundraiser

Main Street will become the stage for Kerry’s largest sing-song next Friday, May 1, as the public gathers to raise...

Sport

News2 months ago

Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals

The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
News3 months ago

On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview

Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
News3 months ago

LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy. 

  He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
News6 months ago

Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic

Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
News6 months ago

Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan

After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...