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International Roses kick off Kerry tour in Killarney

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International Roses kick off Kerry tour in Killarney

The 32 international contestants competing in the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival officially made their long-awaited arrival in the Kingdom on Wednesday, with landmark venue Kate Kearney’s Cottage hosting their very first official engagement in County Kerry.

Following a busy week-long tour across the country, the Roses arrived at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe to launch the Kerry leg of their journey. The afternoon proved to be a major highlight of the tour so far, with the contestants treated to traditional jaunting-car rides through the glaciated valley, a wool-spinning demonstration, and lunch in the beer garden.
Deputy Mayor of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, was on hand to formally extend a warm town welcome to the international visitors as they soaked up local hospitality, traditional food, and iconic mountain scenery.
After their afternoon in Killarney, the group departed to continue their itinerary in Listowel, where they were greeted by Mayor of Listowel Municipal District, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, before making their final arrival into Tralee ahead of the festival weekend.
SIDEBAR: Dublin Rose leads festival betting
As the festival gets underway, punters are already backing their preferred candidates ahead of next week's televised selection nights and crowning in the Dome.
According to bookmaker BoyleSports, Dublin Rose Suad Mooge has emerged as the clear 2/1 favourite after steady support, having opened at 5/1.
Kildare Rose Jessica Hunter has seen her odds shorten dramatically to 11/2 from an opening 40/1, while Leitrim’s Catherine Cullen has backed into 6/1. Meanwhile, local interest remains fixed on Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch—a 28-year-old Beaufort native—who is currently listed at 10/1 as she aims to bring the sash back to the county for the first time in 62 years.

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Glamour and glitz for St Brendan’s College Debs

Glamour and glitz were the order of the day as students from St Brendan’s College cut a dash at their annual Debs ball on Monday. Students gathered for a stylish […]

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Glamour and glitz were the order of the day as students from St Brendan’s College cut a dash at their annual Debs ball on Monday.

Students gathered for a stylish pre-debs reception at St Brigid’s before being whisked off to the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee, where celebrations continued long into the night.
As much a coming-of-age celebration as the end of an era, the occasion marked the students’ final act together following six years at the town centre college.
With Leaving Certificate results looming, the Class of 2026 now prepares to take their next steps, whether heading off to third-level education, beginning apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. Whatever path they choose, we wish them the very best in all their future endeavours.
Photos: Michelle Cooper Galvin

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Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub

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Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub


A Kilcummin native living in New Zealand is appealing to the Kerry community for genuine local memorabilia to decorate his new Irish pub and deli on the other side of the world.


Cian Curtin and his wife are currently fitting out The Snug, a new venture located in New Brighton, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. By day, the venue will operate as a deli serving Irish staples such as breakfast rolls, chicken fillet rolls, home-made soda bread, and fresh milk. In the evenings, it will transform into a traditional neighbourhood pub featuring Irish food, drink, and live music.
Determined to create an authentic atmosphere rather than relying on generic decorations, Cian is calling on Kerry locals, businesses, and sports clubs to send over items with a real story behind them.
“Being from Kilcummin, there’ll naturally be plenty of Kerry influence around the place. One thing that’s particularly important to me is that the pub doesn’t end up filled with generic, newly made ‘Irish pub’ decorations. I’d much rather fill the walls gradually with genuine pieces from home that have a bit of history and a story behind them. If any local pubs, clubs, businesses or readers had an old sign, photograph, jersey, bar piece or other bit of Kerry memorabilia gathering dust that they thought deserved a new home on the other side of the world, I’d absolutely love to hear from them.”
If you can help email: thesnugirishbar@gmail.com

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