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McSweeney Arms reopens as a restaurant

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AT YOUR SERVICE: Kelly Ann McSweeney is ready to greet customers after reopening her restaurant this week for the first time since March. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

 

By Sean Moriarty

The McSweeney family business reopened their Sandtrap Grill on Wednesday for the first time since March.

The Sandtrap is part and parcel of the landmark McSweeney Arms Hotel on College St but is a key part of its official title is missing.

The Sandtrap Bar and Grill has reopened as restaurant only after third-generation proprietor Kelly Ann McSweeney, following months of governmental indecisiveness, said she just could not wait any longer.

While the Sandtrap Bar and Grill is renowned for its high-quality bar food it is first and foremost a local's bar and Kelly Ann’s loyalty to her long-term customers meant she was not willing to open her bar for food only until this week.

Simply, she felt uncomfortable charging her locals €9, for the so-called substantial meal.

“These people came to my 21st and danced the night the way,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “They gave me fivers when I made my First Communion. They are family friends.”

However, constant changes by the Government, and without decisive opening dates set for the reopening of pubs, she changed her stance and reopened the Sandtrap – but only as a restaurant and not as a bar that happens to serve food too.

“We are open as a sit down restaurant,” she added. “Even the televisions will be turned off.”

The Sandtrap Bar and Grill is a renowned sports bar and is particularly popular with horse racing fans and Dr Croke’s supporters.

Kelly Ann and her parents, Tony and Pauline, have introduced a range of measures to ensure they more than comply with the COVID-19 regulations.

They are encouraging people to pre-book and credit card details will be taken at booking time, all to comply with the contract tracing rules and limited waiting times when people arrive.

“All our favourite dishes are on the menu. I will greet you at the door, we have an automatic sanitisation station at the door,” she said. “We are opening in September so hopefully I will know everyone. We were fully booked on Wednesday night – mainly locals.”

As the accommodation portion of the hotel will not reopen until March next year, she was able rearrange the hotel’s foyer and breakfast room to accommodate more diners.

“It is very exciting to be back but it tugs my heart that I cannot open my bar as a bar, as my grandfather Christy did 70 years ago this year,” she added. "He is the reason I do what I do."

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Rathmore’s Tearmann Lodge raises €1,200 for Kerry Hospice

The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation . The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents […]

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The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation

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The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association, hosted a successful bingo evening and raffle in late March of this year. This follows a similar fundraising event held at the centre in 2024.
Residents at the lodge were encouraged to participate in the evening, which proved to be a highly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tearmann Lodge Manager Gillian Kenny facilitated the fundraiser, while staff member Irene O’Donoghue acted as the main organiser, with assistance from colleague Karen McCarthy and other members of the team.
The residential facility provides accommodation for nine residents, alongside an extra bedroom used for respite care when needed.
“Kerry Hospice would be close to the hearts of many here, both residents and staff, whose loved ones have benefitted from the services provided by the charity. We are delighted to be in a position to give something back in return,” Irene O’Donoghue said.
Pat Doolan of the Killarney Branch of Kerry Hospice expressed his gratitude to everyone at the centre during the official cheque presentation.
“This was another lovely gesture by all concerned and I want to thank them for their generosity. I spent some pleasant time over a cuppa with residents and staff members in the comfortable surroundings at Tearmann Lodge on the day of the cheque presentation. Esther Kelleher, who is a resident at the centre, entertained us with a lovely song,” Pat Doolan said

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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