Cycling Club mentors guide 17 newcomers to Ring of Kerry challenge

The success of this year’s Killarney Cycling Club mentoring programme will bear fruit this Saturday as 17 newcomers take to the roads fully prepared for the Ring of Kerry charity cycle.

The club wrapped up its latest training initiative just in time for the major event, welcoming a group of new members who are now cycling competently, safely, and with confidence.
This year’s cohort brought a fantastic, spirited energy and represented a wide mix of backgrounds. Some participants were returning to the road after a long hiatus, others had never sat on a road bike before, and a few were Killarney National Park regulars who initially wondered how they would ever push their distance past the 80km mark.
They found their answers and built their stamina thanks to a dedicated leadership team. Kevin Murphy led two indoor turbo nights, tuning everyone into the best use of gears and efficient cycling. Dan O’Connor braved the challenging weather of April, May, and June to lead the group out on the road on Wednesday evenings, alongside two longer weekend cycles, freely sharing his wealth of cycling knowledge. Fiona O’Donoghue coordinated the mentoring programme, keeping the entire schedule running smoothly from start to finish.
Reflecting on her experience, participant Mary Cussen noted that joining the programme as a total newbie was the best decision ever. She highlighted the supportive and encouraging nature of the group, which included plenty of laughs and coffee stops along the various routes, adding that she cannot believe what she achieved on the journey and feels incredibly proud of herself.

Main Street reopens today following public realm works

Main Street, from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, reopens to traffic and the public today, (Friday, July 3), following a temporary resurfacing measure.

An update issued by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, via Kerry County Council, confirms that the majority of underground infrastructure works have now been completed.
This phase included significant utility upgrades and the installation of a reinforced concrete base to support the new granite paving.
As an interim measure to accommodate the peak summer tourist season, the street has been resurfaced with bitumen before welcoming back pedestrians and vehicles today.
The overall project timeline has been impacted by several unforeseen challenges. These include complex underground infrastructure requiring additional coordination, extensive utility diversions to future-proof the town centre, and global supply chain delays affecting the availability of specialist materials.
Works will temporarily pause for July and August before recommencing on September 1. The final completion date for the entire public realm project is now projected for the end of February 2027.
To minimise disruption to local traders, the remaining construction will be completed on a phased basis.
The Chamber has confirmed that specific plans are in place to accommodate seasonal trading, guaranteeing that the Main Street and Plunkett Street junction will reopen to vehicular traffic ahead of the Christmas in Killarney Parades even if the project runs behind schedule later in the year.
Additional sections will also reopen to pedestrians as paving works progress, and the Chamber will continue to engage with the council on behalf of the local business community.