Politicians quick to jump on Irish Rail bandwagon

It is no secret that local politicians love to share good news during All-Ireland week.

Between the hunt for Croke Park tickets and the usual pre-match buzz, our local representatives have found a new race to run: scrambling to be the first to announce that Iarnród Éireann has added extra train services for the big day.
When Irish Rail confirmed an additional 08:50 service departing Killarney for Heuston on Sunday morning, the press releases flew out almost instantly. Statements rolled in welcoming the news, with politicians eager to highlight the added carriages as if a quick phone call from their office personally got the engine running.
In reality, putting on an extra train when thousands of Kerry supporters are heading for Dublin is simple business logic. Irish Rail saw the massive demand and adjusted its timetable accordingly. The fact that tickets for the extra service sold out within minutes proves it was standard operational common sense rather than political persuasion.
No harm to the lads, but political influence did not secure the extra train.
If our local public representatives do have that kind of pull with state bodies, perhaps they could channel that energy into a issue that really needs a push. For instance, putting that same drive into getting the new Killarney Community Hospital finally open for the town.
In the meantime, safe travels to everyone lucky enough to score a train ticket for Sunday, and let us leave the credit for the timetable to the rail operators.

Spraoi Chiarraí traditional concert this Saturday

Spraoi Chiarraí will stage its fourth free summer concert this Saturday, July 25, at St Mary’s Church of Ireland at 8pm.

The youth performance collective showcases emerging local talent, offering young Kerry musicians structured mentorship and performance experience.
Saturday’s performance will feature Killarney musicians Grace Angland on fiddle and Colleen Angland on flute, alongside their younger siblings Sean and Olive. Professional folk musician and artistic director Tim O’Shea will join the group on stage.
Supported by the Kerry County Council Arts Office, Killarney Chamber of Commerce, and Kerry Gems Publishing, the performance forms part of the collective’s 21st summer season. Further evening concerts are scheduled at the venue throughout August, and the group will also perform at Puck Fair later this summer.
Admission to the Saturday evening show is free, with families and visitors welcome.