It all started as a living room ‘ticket in book’ corner store in 1924 founded by Mary Hegarty, mother of Donal (Dodo) Hegarty at Larrys Cross, Muckross, in the house in which Dodo was born and reared.

Developed into a filling station and ancillary shop in the 1960’s and into 1990’s when Dodo and his family developed the first Spar on Muckross Road.

Dodo passed the reins to his children, Majella, Liam, Donal and Adrian, the third Generation Hegarty family to run the business in 2022, instilling the importance of community spirit and neighbourly friendship.

The 4th generation are already working in the store and lined up to step into help running the business to carry forward long into the future 101 years and beyond.

Kerry Football legend Seán O’Shea was on hand to help with the celebrations.

Donal (Dodo) had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon on the newly refurbished shop in the company of his daughter Majella, sons Liam, Donal, Adrian and daughter Majella along with their spouses and children at the weekend.

Formal NDP Commitment

The long-awaited N22 Killarney–Farranfore upgrade has been formally included in the Department of Transport’s Sectoral Plan, part of the revised National Development Plan (NDP), which was published on Wednesday.
The project, forming a key element of the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor, is now confirmed as one of the national road schemes that will progress to procurement in 2029 and construction in 2030. The Government has committed that the project, with an estimated cost between €250 million and €500 million, will be delivered within the lifetime of this NDP.
Phase one of the bypass is already advancing, with topographical and geotechnical groundworks under way.

Political Weight

Minister Michael Healy-Rae TD and Deputy Danny Healy-Rae TD welcomed the inclusion, describing it as a significant milestone for the county.
Minister Michael Healy-Rae said the commitment is the “clearest and strongest” ever made to the Killarney–Farranfore project, adding that the bypass is now being treated by Government as a strategic national investment.
Deputy Danny Healy-Rae highlighted the recent earlier allocation of €3 million, saying it was essential for progressing detailed surveys and planning. He noted that ground investigation works began on November 3rd and that the momentum built this year was key to ensuring the project reached Sectoral Plan inclusion.
Both Deputies stated that the road upgrade is critical for the development of the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor, traffic relief in Killarney and Farranfore, road-safety improvements, and long-term economic prospects.
Minister Michael Healy-Rae added that he wished to thank the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Transport for supporting the inclusion, saying, “Their commitment ensures that this project is now firmly positioned for delivery.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry Michael Cahill also welcomed the announcement, calling it the result of consistent long-term political work at Government level. He said the confirmation represents major progress for Killarney, Kerry and the wider South Kerry region.
Deputy Cahill said:
“It is evident that Fianna Fáil continues to prioritise key projects in Kerry, priorities that I personally submitted and fought to secure in the Programme for Government. As recently as two weeks ago, I met with Minister Darragh O’Brien in his office alongside my son Councillor Tommy Cahill to reiterate the critical need for the N22 Killarney–Farranfore section of the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor and the Killarney Strategic Links Project to be delivered in a timely fashion. I have also held private meetings with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin regarding these vital projects. Today’s announcement is the direct result of that steady, responsible work.”
In his statement, Deputy Cahill emphasised the influence Fianna Fáil holds in delivering major State investment, saying:
“Anyone that understands politics will know that Fianna Fáil, being the largest political party in Government, hold all the cards in terms of where investment is directed to and it is no wonder that Kerry and specifically Killarney and the old constituency of Kerry South is now seeing real, substantial investment and progress having elected a second Fianna Fáil TD. Non-party members can claim credit all they like but it is indeed laughable and at the end of the day, all they are trying to do is hoodwink the people of Kerry, yet again.”
Deputy Cahill said the N22 upgrade remains central to his priorities:
“This road is central to strengthening the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor, improving safety, easing congestion, and supporting long-term economic growth. It has been my priority and a Fianna Fáil priority from day one, and its inclusion in the NDP sectoral plan demonstrates that the government is finally putting it on the path to delivery.”
He also thanked local Killarney MD councillors, saying
“Without their voices and determination, it would not have reached this stage.”

Strategic Road Priority

Kerry TD and Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration Norma Foley separately confirmed that the N22 project will receive funding of up to €500 million under the transport sectoral plan. She said the bypass is now one of the key road projects approved for progression and delivery by Government by 2030.
Minister Foley said:
“Since becoming minister in the last government and this present government, I have secured funding to allow for route selection and preliminary works for the Killarney bypass. Today the final tranche of funding of up to €500 million for the Farranfore to Killarney bypass is included in the Transport sectoral plan, which is one of the key road projects for funding and delivery by government.”
The sectoral plan also allocates funding for several other transport developments in Kerry, including the 2.5km Tralee Northern Relief Road, with a €20–€50 million budget, and the completion of the South Kerry Greenway.
Minister Foley welcomed the broader regional commitments, saying:
“It is very positive to see funding confirmed for the Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West relief roads and the Limerick to Foynes route, which includes Adare bypass due for completion in 2027.”