Scorchers Killarney, a dedicated group of local cheerleaders, are preparing to take on one of the biggest stages in their sport as they head to the All-Star World Championships in Orlando, Florida this April and they’re calling on their community to help them get there.

The team, made up of athletes spanning a wide age range represents the very best in commitment, teamwork and ambition.

The athletes train for approximately six hours every week, balancing demanding practice schedules with school, work and family life.

Scorchers Head Coach, Katlyn Moynihan, has a long history in cheerleading as both an athlete and a coach and brings a myriad of experience and expertise to her role at Scorchers.

Speaking to Katlyn during the week, she discussed the training and sacrifice the team have made.

She explained: “It’s a huge commitment, not just for the athletes but for their families as well, these athletes show up week after week, pushing themselves to be better, and that dedication is what makes opportunities like taking a place on the stage at the All Star World Championships possible”.

The club boasts a growing membership of over 70 athletes and trains out of its own gym located on the Muckross Road, Killarney.

The facility caters for both gymnastics and cheerleading, welcoming children from as young as four years old right through to senior-level athletes.

This pathway allows young members to grow, progress and dream big with some ultimately earning the chance to compete among the best in the world.

Attending an international competition of this scale comes with significant costs, including travel, accommodation, uniforms and competition fees.

To help make the journey possible, the team is currently undertaking a range of fundraising initiatives and is seeking support from the local community.

“Community support means everything to us,” said Jackie Jeal, owner of Scorchers Cheerleading, “Whether it’s through donations, attending fundraising events or simply spreading the word, every bit of help brings these athletes one step closer to achieving their goal.”

The team have set up an iDonate page to help with their fundraising efforts and donations can be made through the following link https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/scorcherscheerleading .

The club are also hosting a Quiz Night on Friday, March 27 at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, keep an eye on the clubs social media pages for further details.

To keep up to date with the team’s journey to the All Star World Championships and their fundraising campaign follow them on Instagram at codeblack_scorchers or Facebook at Scorchers Killarney.

A local man living with cystic fibrosis has opened a powerful exhibition at Killarney Library, offering an insight into daily living with the condition.

Trevor O’Donoghue’s exhibition, The Cost of Breathing, invites visitors to look beyond the diagnosis and gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience, one defined by strength, resilience and hope.

The exhibition is currently on display until February 20 before travelling to other locations across Ireland in the coming months, bringing this important story to wider audiences.

Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady described it as “both an honour and a deeply personal privilege” to attend the exhibition by his neighbour and close friend.

Cllr Grady said anyone who knows Trevor knows his unwavering positivity and determination.

He commended Trevor for his bravery, creativity and his commitment to raising awareness.

Through his work, Trevor hopes to create space for people to acknowledge their emotions more openly.

Trevor said: “Emotions are a normal part of being human, yet we don’t speak about them openly enough. You never truly know what someone is carrying on the inside. Living with cystic fibrosis means experiencing those realities regularly.”