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The Force Awakens in Killarney

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Local climber Mike O'Shea who did all the rigging and safety procedures for the film with storm troopers Niamh Dennehy and Dylan Hulme from Portmagee at the screening on Thursday. Picture: Don MacMonagle.

 


 

They crossed the galaxies and arrived in Killarney shortly after midday on Thursday clutching their lightsabers close. Cinema Killarney provided the red-carpet treatment to up to 250 Kerry Jedi’s of all ages at a special screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in partnership with Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Disney and LucasFilm. The screening was a thank you to the people of Kerry for hosting the shoot of some scenes for the movie on Sceilg Mhichíl.

Absolutely all ages gave the film a five-star rating and all agreed Skellig Michael was showcased to superb effect.

“The portrayal of Skellig is a fantastic legacy of Minister Jimmy Deenihan and Niall O’Donoghue, assistant secretary general at the Department of Arts, and Mike O’Shea, who was involved with the shoot,” said Killarney Chamber President Kate O’Leary.

“The film was wonderful and there are about three minutes where Skellig is shown. It is just extraordinary. You couldn’t pay for this kind of advertising.”

Mike is a force to be reckoned with

KILLARNEY’S Mike O’Shea was a key player in ensuring the safety and logistics went like clockwork during the shooting of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the Skellig.
The explorer, who runs the adventure specialist company Work and Play at Height in Dingle and Killarney High Ropes, Fossa, was at the special screening on Thursday, having just returned from an expedition in South Georgia. “The task on the Skellig was challenging because of the nature of the rock, which is steep and dangerous so a big part of my work was ensuring the safety of all actors,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“We had 16 tonnes of equipment which we had to move to all parts of the island, so it was a case of man-handling 150 kilos at a time and getting stuff off the island quickly enough.”

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‘We were told it was a documentary about puffins!’

AMONG the Kerry people instrumental in helping the crew behind the scenes were Patricia and Gerard Kennedy, owner of the Moorings B&B and the Bridge Bar in Portmagee which hosted the cast and crew on a number of occasions during the shoot.

Killarney Advertiser caught up with Patricia and her family and friends at the special screening at Cinema Killarney on Thursday.

Patricia told us how she attended the premiere in Dublin the previous night which is when she caught her first glimpse of Skellig Michael in the movie.

Gerard has spoken of how when the crew initially checked into The Moorings B&B in Portmagee to scout the potential of the Skelligs, they told the couple they were “filming a documentary about puffins”. But as the numbers of crew increased and none other than Luke Skywalker arrived into the village, locals knew the cover story was just that.

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Social Action Group celebrates 50 years of vital community service in Rathmore

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A local community-based organisation in Rathmore is celebrating a huge milestone later this month as it celebrates 50 years of service to the people of East Kerry.


The Social Action Group Rathmore (SAG) was founded in 1975 and is now a cornerstone of the local community.

Its primary mission is centred on the care and welfare of older people.


The community group will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Killarney Racecourse on October 25, followed by a commemorative mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Rathmore on October 26 at 11.30am.

The celebrations will continue throughout the year with the launch of a book which will document the foundation and achievements of the group.


It began as a student led initiative in a history class at St Mary’s Secondary School under the guidance of former principal Jerh O’Donoghue.

Over the decades, the SAG has developed 35 homes for older adults, established St Josephs Day Care Centre and created facilities for young people in Rathmore.


Noreen Fleming is the CEO of the SAG, and she said the group delivers a range of essential services.


She explained: “These services include meals-on-wheels, laundry services, and transport to St Joseph’s Day Care Centre, where older people enjoy meals, nursing care, social activities, and companionship five days a week. Some people live in isolated areas, and this service ensures they remain part of a thriving community in Rathmore.”


Donal O’Keeffe, chairperson, said that the celebrations will be an opportunity to honour the dedication of so many people over the last 50 years.


Tickets for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Night at Killarney Racecourse on October 25 are priced at €15 and are available from Teach Iosagáin or St Joseph’s Day Care Centre. For enquiries, please call 064 77 61000.

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Hotel staff complete successful summer wellness programme

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The O’Donoghue Ring Collection organised a seven-week summer wellness programme for their staff this year.

Employees participated in a 5km walk to end the successful campaign, with families also invited to join an optional 2km walk.


The initiative featured a variety of activities designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul, from in-house fitness classes including mat pilates and circuit training to an engaging book club with lively discussions, as well as a competitive steps challenge.


A new highlight this year was the launch of the running and walking club, created and led by team members themselves.

Chefs from across the Collection also shared their expertise through a healthy recipe’s initiative, promoting wholesome meal planning and mindful eating.


Participants also benefited from expert training plans, nutrition and sleep-hygiene guidance, and tailored recovery routines.


After completing the Fun Run, team members came together at Café du Parc to celebrate their efforts with a well-earned spread of light bites and refreshing spritzes crafted by the O’Donoghue Ring Collection’s mixology team.


Gemma Ring, Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, said working in hospitality is both challenging and rewarding.

She said: “The well-being of our teams is always our top priority. We thoroughly enjoyed this year’s wellness programme and event, and we hope everyone carries the benefits of the past seven weeks into the winter months.”

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