News
Headford man central to securing major global architectural event for Dublin
A Headford native and local Chartered Architectural Technologist, Michael O’Keeffe, played a key role in bringing the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) AGM and 60th Anniversary celebrations to Dublin recently.
Michael, who runs healycornelius design ltd. in Deerpark, Killarney, led the three-year effort that secured the international event for Ireland.
More than 250 delegates from across the globe attended the AGM and anniversary celebrations. The bid to host the milestone gathering began when Fáilte Ireland contacted Michael over three years ago during his term as Executive Board Trustee and Chair of CIAT Republic of Ireland. He immediately saw an opportunity for Ireland.
“While hailing from Headford, Killarney, I have been fully invested in my professional institute since joining in 2014 and, with the support of Fáilte Ireland and my Committee colleagues, was thrilled to bring its AGM and 60th Anniversary to Ireland,” he said.
The successful bid followed a competitive process supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events team. Dublin’s connectivity, capacity and cultural offering helped secure the event, which included student presentations at Technological University Dublin, a charity fundraiser at the Mont Hotel which raised over €1,500, the AGM at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, and a gala celebration in the Round Room at the Mansion House.
Reflecting on the weekend, Michael said: “As Chair, it was an honour to help bring my professional institute’s 60th Anniversary Celebration to Dublin. The support from all involved was incredible. To see delegates from around the world enjoying our hospitality made all the work worthwhile.”
€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.
€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks
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