News
Kenny exceeds expectations in Tokyo
K
PROUD: Proud parents Mary and Noel Kenny at home in Firies on Thursday morning
SUPPORT: David Kenny's sisters Laura Sarah and Rebecca with their parents Mary and Noel ahead of Thursday's race
Kenny exceeds expectations in Tokyo
By Sean Moriarty
A week ago Noel Kenny said he would be delighted if his son David finished in the 53rd in the 20km Olympic Race Walk.
The 22-year-old, from Rusheen, Firies made his Olympic debut yesterday.
Ahead of his competition he was ranked 54th in the world and his proud father, Noel, a well-known local postman, would have been over the moon if he made up just one place on the world rankings.
David exceeded all expectations and finished 29th overall and completed the course in a time of 1 hour 26 minutes 54 seconds in very warm and humid conditions and in temperatures of over 32 degrees.
Athletics Ireland Race Walk Team manager Ray Flynn, a former racer said: “Conditions were just brutal.”
A total of 57 athletes started the race and five failed to make the finish.
Italy’s Massimo Stano won gold in 1 hour 21 minutes 05 seconds ahead of a Japanese silver and bronze for Koki Ikeda (hour 21 minutes 14 seconds) and current world number one Toshikazo Yamanishi (1 hour 21 minutes 28seconds).
“I was a bit too careful in my predictions,” said Noel, “We are all very proud of him.”
The Kenny family watched the race live on Eurosport at 830am Thursday morning and were in direct contact with David immediately after the race.
“He was in an ice bath, cooling down when I spoke to him, he was in great spirits,” added Noel.
Farranfore Maine Valley AC also paid tribute to their star member. David was introduced to race walking by club members Mike O’Connor and Jerome Crowley, both former national frontrunners in the discipline.
“The whole club is very proud of David and his performance,” Mike told the Killarney Advertiser.
“He was the seventh youngest in the field. Only one walker set a personal best out of the 52 finishers – that will tell you how difficulty it was. He is only 22 and nowhere near his peak. We are very thankful to the whole community for the support they have given David over the last few weeks.”
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 20.
Parishioners and members of the wider community are invited to attend a special anniversary Mass to mark the local milestone. The parish will welcome Bishop Ray Browne to lead the golden jubilee celebrations.
The anniversary Mass is scheduled for 7.30pm, and refreshments will be served for all attendees immediately afterward.
Picture Caption: Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday 20th June. Photo: Sean Kelly
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.
Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th...
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May...
Four Esquires Productions’ ambitions for a full-length feature film in Kerry
Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of...
Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures
Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures Concerns have been raised following the revelation that the main visitor centre for...
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy By Eamonn Fitzgerald Killarney won the overall national award as Ireland’s Tidiest...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
