The Killarney Triathlon Club recently hosted a dedicated Women’s Morning to mark the continued success of its female-focused recruitment and support strategies.

The event was made possible through a specific grant from Triathlon Ireland, providing the necessary funding to invest in the club’s growing female contingent.
Statistics released by the club show a significant upward trend in participation, with female membership rising from 33% in 2023 to 41% by the end of 2025.
This growth reflects a long-term commitment to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes athletes of all abilities into the multi-sport community.
The morning began with a community-focused start at the local parkrun, where members participated in fancy dress to highlight the fun and social side of the sport.
Male members of the club also joined the festivities to show their support for the initiative.
This was followed by a transition to Nave Yoga, where athletes took part in a restorative session aimed at recovery and injury prevention.
Beyond the physical training, the event addressed critical aspects of women’s health in sport, including nutrition and hormonal health across different life stages. These discussions aimed to empower athletes with the expertise to support their training while prioritising their long-term wellbeing.
The day concluded with a social brunch at the Killarney Racecourse, allowing members to build the supportive networks that are essential in what is often perceived as an individual sport. By fostering these connections, the club continues to transition from a training group into a robust community hub.
The committee has expressed its gratitude to Triathlon Ireland for the grant, noting that such investment is vital for maintaining the momentum gained over the last three years. With a strong presence of female leaders on the current committee and a clear strategy for 2026, the club remains one of the most progressive sporting organisations in the county.

Killarney filmmaker Ellen McSweeney has been named as one of just eight emerging talents selected for the prestigious Fresh Film HotHouse 2025/2026 programme.

The news comes as her experimental short film, ‘Watching the Washing Machine’, prepares for its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) on Friday, February 27.

The film is described as a meditation on memory and nostalgia. It follows a young woman traversing time through the repetitive lull of a washing machine, using the rhythmic nature of laundry as a portal into her character’s past. The production features local acting talent, including Kyla Shine-Leane.

Originally from Killarney and currently a film student in Dublin, McSweeney was chosen from a competitive pool of entrants in the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year competition. Her selection for the HotHouse programme, which is supported by Screen Ireland, RTÉ, and the Arts Council, provided her with €1,000 in funding and professional mentorship to bring the project to completion.

Following its premiere at DIFF, the film will reach a national audience immediately. It is scheduled for a digital release on the RTÉ Player on February 27, where it will be featured in the “Fresh Screens” section.