Killarney Legion GAA grounds will officially be renamed “Johnny Culloty Park” during a major festival of sport and community fun over the weekend of June 5 and 6.

The celebrations will kick off on Friday with the Johnny Culloty Golf Classic. On Saturday morning, the focus shifts to the pitch for a juvenile football competition, which will be followed by the official ground-naming ceremony.

The event will host significant guests of honour, including GAA President Jarlath Burns and Kerry footballing legend Mick O’Connell.

The ceremony is open to the entire community and the public is highly encouraged to attend.

The formal proceedings will be followed by an evening of live music, entertainment, and a community barbecue.

The renaming serves as a permanent tribute to the Killarney icon, who passed away in February 2025.

Culloty was a lifelong driving force for Legion both on and off the field, serving as a chairman, coach, and vital member of the club’s development committee that built the modern facilities at Derreen.

Killarney’s long-awaited 130-bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) has moved a major step closer to opening, with confirmation that room allocations have already been agreed with residents.

The update marks the clearest indication to date that the state-of-the-art facility, designed to replace St Columbanus’ Home and Killarney Community Hospital, is nearing operational status.

Residents and their families are also set to be invited to upcoming open evenings to view the new unit before the formal transfer takes place.

The matter was raised in the Seanad by Senator Mike Kennelly, who sought clarity on the opening date, staffing levels, clinical readiness, and the future of St Columbanus’ Home and Killarney Community Hospital.

Responding to the Commencement Matter, Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, confirmed that preparations are now at an advanced stage, with the facility expected to welcome its first residents in the coming weeks.

Minister O’Donnell confirmed that the final regulatory step is now underway, with an application for registration officially submitted to HIQA.

“HSE South West have advised me that preparation for Killarney CNU to welcome residents are now at an advanced stage,” Minister O’Donnell said. “The application for registration of Killarney CNU has been submitted to HIQA and an opening date for the new CNU will be fully finalized once HIQA registration has been achieved.”

He added that room allocations have already been finalized with the residents, and planning is underway for open evenings to support families through the transition process.