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Autism Friendly committee recognised at national autism awards

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The Killarney Autism Friendly Town committee received national recognition at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards 2026, held recently at Dublin City Hall. The awards ceremony, hosted by Ireland’s national autism charity AsIAm and supported by PTSB, celebrates towns that have made significant progress in accessibility and inclusion. Killarney, which was officially designated an Autism Friendly Town in early 2025, continues to be a leader in the programme by implementing practical changes across the community. Representing the Killarney committee in Dublin were Em Rypalska, Jessica O’Connor, and Claire Fowler. The group has been instrumental in several local projects, including the launch of a new website and a video series showcasing "Autism Friendly Champions"—local businesses like Portwest and Ross Castle Boat Tours that have adapted their services for neurodivergent visitors. The judging panel, which included Ciara Jones and Kevin Hanly, praised the town's commitment to creating sensory-friendly environments at major events like the Christmas in Killarney parades. AsIAm CEO Adam Harris presented the awards, noting that Killarney’s efforts serve as a blueprint for other communities across Ireland. Listowel’s committee also received an award on the night for their Inclusive Event category.

A shift in culture for Killarney events

The national recognition for Killarney follows a busy year where the committee collaborated on over 20 local events to improve accessibility. From major fixtures like the Christmas in Killarney parades and St Patrick’s Day to festivals such as Wander Wild, Bikefest, and the Rally of the Lakes, the group has implemented practical changes to support neurodiversity.
These measures include designated quiet hours, the provision of sensory tents, and identifying safe spaces for those who may become overwhelmed. According to the committee, there has been a notable shift in how events are planned, with organisers now proactively seeking guidance on inclusion rather than waiting to be asked.
Chairperson Jessica O’Connor noted that the next project for the group is the development of a sensory map for Killarney to further assist locals and visitors. The atmosphere at the Dublin City Hall awards reflected this commitment to inclusion, with attendees using "silent hands" (waving) instead of loud applause to ensure a comfortable environment for all.
For committee members Caroline Neenan, Claire Fowler, Jessica O’Connor, Maureen Hegarty Vogels, and Elaine Doonan, the focus remains on ensuring every family feels they belong at Killarney’s public celebrations. The goal is to continue turning high-energy community moments into accessible experiences for everyone.

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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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