News
St. Oliver’s pupils become French speakers
Pupils s at St Oliver’s National School are now speaking French thanks to a successful ten-week language module delivered by French For All Killarney School of French.
The intensive module, which focused on the inclusion and pro-active learning of French, concluded with a celebratory and festive event for the three fifth classes.
Course Director and native French teacher Hélène Olivier-Courtney marked the final day with a selection of French food, including macarons, homemade crêpes, croissants, pains au chocolat, and baguettes. The food added a real French touch to the celebrations for students interested in baking, football, fashion, and art.
The ten-week language module began in schools nationally in 2021 through applications to Post Primary Language Ireland (PPLI). The course aims to help children develop a love for French and language learning in general, giving them a valuable head start before secondary school. Activities included cultural projects, art projects reflecting the children's interests, songs, and games, making the language journey enjoyable and meaningful.
Hélène Olivier-Courtney extended a special thanks to principa Colm O'Suilleabhain and Deputy Principal Sandra Chute for welcoming French into the school this year. She also thanked all the teachers and SNAs for their continuous support.
Adult and secondary school students’ classes will resume on January 12. Hélène Olivier-Courtney wished everyone "Joyeux Noël" and extended best wishes ahead of the New Year to Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate students in 2026. She can be contacted on helene@frenchforall.ie.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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