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Headford man central to securing major global architectural event for Dublin

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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.”

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Skip Buckley Memorial Basketball Tournament returns

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The Jeremiah ‘Skip’ Buckley Memorial Tournament returns to the Presentation Gym in Killarney on Saturday, (April 4), set to deliver a full day of basketball and community spirit from 9am through to the evening.

Now a key date in the local sporting calendar, the tournament honours Skip Buckley’s contribution to basketball in Killarney and beyond.

His influence continues through the St Paul’s Mothers & Others group, whose commitment keeps the event growing year on year.

Proceedings begin with group stages at 9am, with teams competing for places in both cup and plate competitions.

The finals are scheduled for 4pm and 4:30pm, closing out what is expected to be a competitive and enjoyable day.

A strong line-up of nine teams will take part, including local sides and travelling teams, ensuring a good standard of play throughout.

The event places equal focus on the social side. A free-throw competition will take place at lunchtime, reflecting Skip’s well-known belief that “free throws always win games.”

There will also be a wide selection of refreshments, including home baking, along with spot prizes supported by local businesses.

Events like this tend to draw a wide crowd. Players, families, former teammates and supporters all gather courtside, creating a steady buzz across the day. The setting inside the Presentation Gym adds to that, with games running back-to-back and little downtime between them.

The day will conclude with an after-party at the Failte Hotel, where live music and post-match analysis will carry on into the evening.

Spectators are encouraged to attend, with all welcome to come along, support the teams, and take part in a day that continues to reflect Skip Buckley’s lasting legacy.

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Lawlor’s Cross animator wins seven awards at Animation Dingle

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Lawlor's Cross animator wins seven awards at Animation Dingle


Muireann Mulvihill, a talented young animator from Lawlor’s Cross, achieved major success at the 2026 Animation Dingle Festival.

Her short film, Anam, created alongside collaborator Ailbhe Fearon at IADT Dún Laoghaire, became one of the most decorated entries in the history of the prestigious event.
The film was selected from 108 international entries and went on to win seven awards out of nine nominations. The accolades included Best Irish Student, Best Writer, Best Art Direction, Best 2D Animation, Best Original Score, Best Sound Design, and the Best Irish Language Award.
As a qualifying festival for the Student Academy Awards, the wins at Animation Dingle provide a significant platform for the Killarney native. Festival Director Maurice Galway noted the high standard of work on display, highlighting the creativity of emerging artists currently shaping the future of Irish storytelling.
Muireann’s achievement follows a period of significant artistic success for Killarney natives on the global stage, including recent Academy Award recognition for actress Jessie Buckley. This latest success at one of Europe’s leading animation festivals marks a major milestone for the Lawlor’s Cross animator as she enters the professional industry.

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