News
Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October
IRISH UN VETERANS HONOURED IN KILLARNEY – JUNE 4th 2019 Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe accepts the Mons Hugh O'Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces from retired Supreme Court Judge Hugh O'Flaherty, (grandson of the monsignor) in Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are from left,, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O'Mahony. Photo: Don MacMonagle Press Release: Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey. Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support” Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”. The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”. The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed. The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board. Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers. Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty. Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com
The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence.
The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society confirmed that the 12th annual award ceremony will take place in Killarney during the final weekend of October 2026.
The prestigious award programme was suspended due to resource constraints after the 2019 presentation to Ireland’s UN Peacekeepers, with its resumption further delayed by the pandemic.
"This has been made possible through the generous support of the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and other sponsors," Society Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said.
The memorial society will shortly issue an official call for nominations for the 2026 recipient. Over the years, the accolade has honoured a wide range of humanitarian work, with previous recipients including GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Trócaire's Sally O’Neill, the late Donal Walsh, and emergency rescue groups including the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, and Kerry Mountain Rescue.
Full details on the nomination procedures and closing dates can be obtained directly from the society by emailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com.
Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October
The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence.
The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society confirmed that the 12th annual award ceremony will take place in Killarney during the final weekend of October 2026.
The prestigious award programme was suspended due to resource constraints after the 2019 presentation to Ireland’s UN Peacekeepers, with its resumption further delayed by the pandemic.
"This has been made possible through the generous support of the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and other sponsors," Society Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said.
Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe pictured after accepting the Mons Hugh O'Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces in St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are Mayor of Killarney Niall Kelleher, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O'Mahony, Hugh O'Flaherty, Pearl Dineen, Jerry O'Grady and invited guests.
Photo: Don MacMonagle
Press release: Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey.
Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support”
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”.
The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”.
The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed.
The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board.
Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers.
Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty.
Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com
The memorial society will shortly issue an official call for nominations for the 2026 recipient. Over the years, the accolade has honoured a wide range of humanitarian work, with previous recipients including GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Trócaire's Sally O’Neill, the late Donal Walsh, and emergency rescue groups including the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, and Kerry Mountain Rescue.
Full details on the nomination procedures and closing dates can be obtained directly from the society by emailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com.
Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe accepts the Mons Hugh O'Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces from retired Supreme Court Judge Hugh O'Flaherty, (grandson of the monsignor) in Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are from left,, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O'Mahony.
Photo: Don MacMonagle
Press Release:
Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey.
Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support”
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”.
The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”.
The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed.
The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board.
Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers.
Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty.
Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com
Teresa McGrane to receive 2026 Maureen O’Hara Award
Former Deputy CEO of Screen Ireland Teresa McGrane has been named as the recipient of the 2026 Maureen O’Hara Award.
The award, which celebrates women who have made outstanding contributions to the film and television industries, will be presented as part of a special interview event during the 27th annual Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF).
McGrane served as Deputy CEO of Screen Ireland for more than two decades, overseeing significant expansion in national film production and talent development. Since 2023, she has held the role of Chief Operating Officer at Wild Atlantic Pictures, whose recent credits include Lee Cronin’s The Mummy and Saipan. She was also awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry accolade by the animation sector in 2023.
Responding to the announcement, McGrane said: “I am delighted to be the recipient of this year’s award. It comes at a time for me personally where reflection on the past 25 years of growth in the industry is enormously satisfying. I acknowledge the hard work, duty and service of past Chairpersons, Boards, CEO’s and wonderful staff at Screen Ireland who served the industry with enormous dedication and commitment. Heartfelt thanks to the Kerry International Film Festival for this beautiful award in this very special place.”
The presentation and public interview, facilitated by producer Lesley McKimm, will take place on Friday, October 16, at 7pm in Randles Hotel.
KIFF launches REEL TALK industry series
Kerry International Film Festival has introduced REEL TALK, a new series of panel discussions, workshops, and industry sessions taking place across the four-day event.
The initiative aims to connect emerging talent, crew, and creative professionals with established industry figures to discuss practical career development, regional production, and independent filmmaking.
All REEL TALK events take place at ANAM on New Street and are free to attend, though advance registration is required via the festival website.
REEL TALK Schedule Highlights
Thursday, October 15
12.30pm | The State of the County: Seán Mulchinock from Screen Kerry delivers a presentation detailing regional production opportunities, local funding avenues, and skill development programmes.
1.00pm | The Kerry Crew Experience: A panel exploring inter-departmental collaboration on set. Featuring script editor Kate Leys, costume designer Michelle Navarro, and intimacy coordinator Bronagh McAuley.
2.15pm | Script & Story Masterclass: Script and story editor Kate Leys (Whitetail) breaks down the process of screenplay development and story engineering. Delivered in collaboration with NTA Crew South, an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland managed by Film in Limerick.
3.30pm | Making Diatribe: Building an Independent Feature: Director Shaun O’Connor, producer Mo O’Connell, and writer Paul Cahill share a case study of their independent feature shot entirely in County Kerry. Supported by the National Talent Academy for Film & TV.
Saturday, October 17
11.00am | Storyboard Masterclass: Hollywood storyboard artist John Coven (Jurassic World, The Lion King, Logan) leads a session on visual storytelling. Supported by the National Talent Academy for Animation.
3.15pm | Inclusive Filmmaking Case Study: Director Aisling Byrne and team unpack the creation of Oscar-qualifying psychological thriller Mary is Missing, produced by inclusive arts organisation Run of the Mill.
Festival launch set for September 22
Organisers of the Kerry International Film Festival have confirmed that the full 2026 screening lineup and schedule will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, September 22.
The festival takes place across multiple venues in town from October 15 to 18. This year’s edition is supported by principal funders the Arts Council of Ireland, Kerry County Council, and Fáilte Ireland, with headline sponsorship provided by Kerry Airport.
Ticket bookings for all announced events, including the free REEL TALK sessions, are now open on the official festival website at kerryfilmfestival.com.
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney
Week 13
A few weeks later and the end of summer was quickly approaching. Auntie Sheila and Jack insisted that they needed to spend a nice day out in town to make up for all the chaos they’d had on the night of the Kerry v Cork game.
Auntie Sheila was looking at things to do. “The Riverdance is on at the Gleneagle Arena, how about that? And we’ll need dinner too of course, but I’d like to take you to Salvador’s.” Jack and Felicity both agreed that it would be lovely.
On the day, Auntie Sheila brought Felicity and Jack to out for dinner. Felicity had never been into Salvador’s before. It was very atmospheric – warm and rustic.
The trio were laughing away when Auntie Sheila glanced at her watch. “Oh shoot, we’ve got to go guys otherwise we’ll miss the start of the show!”
They quickly paid for their meal and hustled down towards the shuttle stop. They got there just as the last passenger was boarding. Auntie Sheila fished out coins from her purse for the bus driver, and he nodded them along.
Felicity collapsed into the aisle seat next to Jack, with Auntie Sheila on her other side. She giggled at the frazzled state they were all in. Auntie Sheila’s hair had exploded into a frizz when met with the rush, and Jack looked like he had just woken up despite having been awake since the early morning.
They got to the Arena and quietly found their seats. The performers were entrancing; Felicity could hardly look away.
After the show, which was mercifully jerky-free, the trio trudged back to the shuttle bus. The crowd was far larger than when they arrived. It was crowded on board, but they managed to squeeze into the first shuttle headed back into town.
Felicity let herself get lost in the hubbub on the bus. She wondered if she would have time for things like this once she started college. She refused to let herself hope that her Garda apprenticeship application would be accepted.
Felicity stepped off of the bus with the rest of the crowd, mind still wandering. She waited for Jack and Auntie Sheila to rejoin her. “I’d love to go for something sweet right about now.”
Jack looked pensive. “How about Murphy’s Ice Cream? They’re always open late in summer.”
Felicity questioned the validity of it still being summer, given that it was September. She was going home at the start of next week. No small part of her dreaded the return to Dublin. But she would enjoy Killarney whilst she was here, not dwell on the future.
The group trundled down Main Street towards Murphy’s. As expected, the lights inside were on; warm and welcoming. They each sampled a few flavours before settling on what they wanted.
They milled around Murphy’s, at a bit of a loss about what to do next. “We could catch some live music,” Jack suggested. They jumped on the idea with vigour and Auntie Sheila suggested Buckley’s in The Arbutus.
And what a time it was! The evening was filled with laughter, joy and music, a far sight from that night not long ago when Anthony was still a looming threat. But that had passed. There would be other times in life to worry but now was not one of them.
Excursion
Felicity had been anxiously anticipating her Leaving Cert exam results for weeks. It had eventually boiled down to the final couple of hours, and she couldn’t help but wonder if this was all for naught.
She didn’t know what she wanted to do. She had applied for a variety of courses as the guidance councillors advised, but all she wanted was for her Garda apprenticeship application to be accepted. Felicity didn’t let herself think about what would happen if she succeeded, but nonetheless there was a small flame of hope that would not be extinguished.
The clock passed 10am. Felicity hurriedly refreshed her browser and signs into her CAO portal. Oh my gosh. She had done it. She had gotten what she needed for her first choice of courses. Not that it would matter if she got her apprenticeship, but she didn’t want too many eggs in one basket. Now she only had to wait for offers and the decision about her apprenticeship application.
To celebrate, Felicity called Jack and they decided they would go out to the National Park. Jack wanted to take her over to Avoca, but those plans were dashed when they saw a string of emergency service vehicles – mainly fire engines – rushing up the winding road.
There must have been another fire. The heatwave had been dragged out for long enough, for almost a month now. Even on the days when there was cloud it was unbearably hot and humid. Too hot to think, that’s for certain.
Instead, Jack turned around at Ladies View and they went to Muckross. Jack found a blanket in the boot of the car, and deciding that would be enough they ventured out to Dundag beach. It was slightly cooler under the shade by the beach, but it was still too warm to function.
Felicity was far happier to be here enjoying nature rather than out in town drinking, especially after the match day and Anthony’s arrest. It was a great relief that he had been arrested, but she still looked over her shoulder for him or the men in black whenever she was out of the house.
Here on Dundag it was far easier to relax than anywhere else. They had a picnic blanket, some cold drinks and what felt like all the time in the world.
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