Excitement is building in Killarney as Ablefest returns on Sunday from 12pm to 4pm at the St Patrick’s Festival Hub at Beech Road Carpark.

Now in its second year, the inclusive festival is set to be bigger, brighter and bursting with even more fun, laughter and community spirit.

Ablefest is all about celebrating inclusion and creating a welcoming space for people of all abilities, along with their families, friends and supporters.

For four fun-filled hours the hub will come alive with music, creativity and plenty of opportunities to dance, play and make memories together.

From toe-tapping tunes to hands-on activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the highlights will be live entertainment, including a headline performance from Jake Carter and his band.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a Silent Disco, drumming sessions, face painting, puppet shows and sensory-friendly spaces — ensuring that every visitor can join the fun in a way that suits them.

With so much happening, Ablefest promises magical moments around every corner and plenty of reasons to get into the festival groove.

The launch at Killarney Leisure Centre on Thursday was also a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Kerry Stars athletes who will represent the county at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Dublin this June.

Luke Scollard from Scartaglen takes part in athletics, therapeutic horse riding and swimming with the Kerry Stars.

At the Summer Games he will compete in the 4K Shot Put and the 200m run, where he’ll be hoping to really throw down the gauntlet and sprint for success.

Joe Buckley from Faha is involved in athletics, basketball and soccer with the club. Joe will be taking to the track and field in Dublin where he will compete in the 100m sprint and mini javelin — proving he’s ready to go the distance and make his mark.

Caoimhe Brosnan from Kilcummin participates in athletics, basketball, soccer and swimming with the Kerry Stars.

At the Summer Games she will compete in the 25m freestyle and 25m backstroke, where she will undoubtedly make a splash for Kerry.

Sophie Twiss from Miltown enjoys therapeutic horse riding and swimming with the Kerry Stars. Sophie will also be competing in swimming at the Summer Games, taking part in two events as she prepares to dive into the action in Dublin.

The launch event highlighted not only the upcoming festival but also the incredible talent, determination and team spirit of the Kerry Stars athletes.

Their achievements perfectly capture the heart of what Ablefest is all about – participation, celebration and making sure everyone has their moment to shine.

As the countdown begins, organisers are encouraging everyone to come along, soak up the atmosphere and join the celebration.

For more information, log onto the St Patrick’s Day Festival website and click on Ablefest. 

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) officially launched its new state-of-the-art rescue vehicle on Friday, significantly upgrading their ability to reach casualties in the county’s most unforgiving terrain.

Funded through the Community Recognition Fund, the new INEOS Grenadier units were specifically chosen for their rugged 4×4 capabilities and “built-for-purpose” design.

Unlike standard commercial vehicles, these Grenadiers have undergone extensive technical modifications to meet the demands of search and rescue operations on the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and surrounding mountains.

The vehicles are engineered for extreme conditions, featuring a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and an integrated cable winch for recovery operations.

To handle the rocky and often flooded terrain of the Kerry highlands, the units are equipped with auxiliary power systems and enhanced off-road suspension.

The investment ensures that KMRT volunteers have the most modern equipment available as they continue to provide 24/7 emergency cover for hillwalkers and climbers across the southwest.