Unique Ukrainian embroidery project at St Mary’s Church

A remarkable living piece of Ukrainian history is being displayed in the heart of Killarney today (Friday, July 24) as part of an international cultural project.

Organised locally by Future of Ukrainian Nation (FOUN Kerry), the ‘Unity Rushnyk – Victory Rushny’ exhibition takes place along the fence of St Mary’s Church starting at 2.00pm.
The Rushnyk, a traditional embroidered cloth, forms part of a global initiative that has travelled through Estonia, Austria, Scotland, England, and across Ireland. Hand-stitched by Ukrainian diaspora communities worldwide, the project grew to 166 metres long just last week in Dublin after the Ukrainian-Irish community added three new panels.
The display features intricate symbols representing the bond between the two nations. Alongside traditional Ukrainian guelder rose, stitches include the Irish clover, with both the Irish and Ukrainian flags stitched side-by-side as a mark of friendship and gratitude for the welcome shown to families in Kerry.
Organisers invite both the local community and international visitors to view the exhibition today and experience this powerful symbol of unity, culture, and shared history.

White-tailed Eagle chicks fledge in Killarney National Park

Words and photos by Valerie O’Sullivan
The resident pair of White-tailed Eagles on Lough Léin has successfully fledged two new chicks for the fifth year in a row.

The two young eagles left the nest this week and are now along the shoreline as they prepare to take flight further afield.
The successful fledging marks 19 years of conservation work led by Eamonn Meskell and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), alongside the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. A total of 245 chicks were reintroduced to Ireland between 2007 and 2025.
There are now roughly 150 White-tailed Eagles in the wild across Ireland, creating a self-sustaining population. While the total number of wild births for 2026 is still being tracked, 17 breeding pairs have been recorded nationwide this year.
NPWS and Killarney National Park staff expressed their thanks to local anglers, boatmen, and tourism operators for keeping an “eagle eye” on the birds and supporting their ongoing protection.