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Valerie O’Sullivan honoured at National Awards

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Well-known photographer Valerie O’Sullivan has been recognised for her outstanding work at the AIB Press Photographer Awards, scooping two accolades in the National Awards ceremony.

She took home the Sustainability award and placed third in the Reportage category, both awards for her work, Reviving, Restoring and Re-thatching.

The photo essay piece focused on master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin, and his apprentice, Billy, re-thatching the O’Neill old family dwelling house, which dates back to the early 1800’s, at Tinnie’s Lower, Valentia Island, one of the only remaining rope-thatched dwelling houses in Ireland.

This rare form of thatching uses purple moor grass known locally as ‘Fadac’, which is harvested on the north side of the island.

The vernacular farmstead dates back to the early 1800’s to which the O’Neills live close by.

When Master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin and his apprentice Billy, pulled back the tarpin cover from the cottage, they discovered the unique structure had its original roof intact.

Together they are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of this unique form of thatching.

The judges cited a delightful use of colour and composition in this story of a re-thatching of an old family dwelling, saying: “This ancient tradition has been brought back to life by these charming and timeless photographs. A sheer joy to look at.”

The judges described the picture of the dresser in this essay as a “wonderful depiction of something old being well maintained and preserved for future generations, which is at the very heart of sustainability.”

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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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