Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) was pleased to welcome Minister Niall Collins to its Youth Diversion Project in Kilarney last week.

The visit gave the Minister an opportunity to meet staff and hear directly about the work of the Kerry Youth Diversion Project, including early intervention, family support, court accompaniment and wider youth justice practice across the county.
KCYS supports young people across a broad continuum of services in Kerry, from preventative and developmental youth work through to highly targeted interventions for young people and families facing significant challenge and complexity. The Youth Diversion Project forms an important part of that wider continuum of support.
Speaking following the visit, Seamus Whitty, CEO of KCYS, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Minister Collins to Kerry and to have the opportunity to give him a sense of the breadth and depth of the work being carried by the Youth Diversion Project here.
The Youth Diversion Project in Kerry is a strong and well-developed intervention, grounded in practice, informed by evidence, and marked by innovation in how it supports young people and families. It is part of a broader continuum of supports provided by KCYS, and it depends on strong collaboration across teams, services and community partners to make a real difference in people’s lives.
It is also important to acknowledge the Department’s continued commitment to youth justice. The policy direction in this area has been a progressive one, and that has created space for work of this kind to develop and respond to need in a meaningful way.”
The visit highlighted the scale and complexity of the work being carried by the KCYS team, and the importance of sustained investment in youth work responses for young people and families.

Live horse racing returns to Ireland’s most scenic track this May for the highly anticipated Killarney Races May Festival.

The three-day event blends top-tier racing with a vibrant social scene, offering something for seasoned punters, families, and visitors alike.
The season officially opens on Saturday, May 9 (12 noon start), a date that aligns perfectly with the Munster Football Final weekend. The sporting stakes are high for a bumper weekend in Killarney and if Kerry and Cork both progress through their respective semi-finals, A Kerry vs. Cork showdown will be fixed for Sunday May 10th in Killarney, positioning the racecourses opening Saturday fixture as the perfect curtain-raiser for a great weekend of sport in Killarney. The opening card features a feast of National Hunt racing headlined by sponsors TOTE, and racing action will be complemented by lively music from Nicole Lonergan and The Gallivanters.
On Wednesday evening just gone, stars from the Kerry GAA panel (pictured) were on hand to launch the Killarney races Locals’ Family Day, scheduled for Monday, May 11th (4.30pm start). Sponsored by Killarney Credit Union and the Killarney Town Retailers Association, this evening shifts the focus toward the local community. Children’s entertainment specialists ‘Time to Party’ and ‘The MACademy’ will host a dedicated family fun area, perfect for young families to get out on a spring evening and soak up the festive atmosphere. Accompanied by an adult ticket, all kids go free. Entertainment will include, bouncing castles, clowns, an interactive disco, carnival games and much more.
Speaking about the Locals Family Evening, sponsors Karena McCarthy of Killarney Credit Union said, “We are pleased to bring the community together for an action packed locals evening. The Credit Union is committed to supporting local initiatives, and this event is a perfect way for neighbours to gather and enjoy the fantastic festival atmosphere Killarney Racecourse offers.”
William Sheahan, Chairman of the Killarney Town Retailers Association, who are also sponsoring the local’s day said, “Our members are always ready to support local, and we are delighted to support the Locals’ Family Day”. From boutique fashion and fragrances to traditional butchers, footwear and pharmacies, Killarney retailers have an incredible amount to offer both residents and visitors, and we were delighted to come on board as a sponsor of the evening at Killarney Racecourse.
The festival concludes on Tuesday, May 12th (4.30pm start), with the Fexco Festival Finale. The final day pairs a high-quality flat racing card with some great live entertainment, ensuring the spring festival closes on it’s usual high note.

Karl McCay, General Manager of Killarney Racecourse expressed his readiness for the season ahead: “We are eager to welcome the public back to the Killarney Races. Between the calibre of the racing, the community-focused family evening, and our entertainment lineup, we have curated a program that offers something for every attendee this May Festival.”

Tickets are available for just €20 via the official website: www.killarneyracecourse.ie.