News
Two Mile School experiences huge growth in five years
By Michelle Crean
A small school which faced certain closure five years ago is now thriving and hoping to add a third teacher this September.
Two Mile Community National School, a State, co-educational, multi-denominational school opened in August 2017 with just nine pupils. Currently there's 40 pupils with plans to increase to 53 this coming September which would see a new teacher added to the staff.
Located on the site of the old Cahooreigh NS, a five minute drive from Killarney on the road between Madam’s Hill and Ballyhar, it is run under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB).
The move to open the school came after the Bishop of Kerry agreed to transfer the patronage of the old Cahooreigh National School to the State-run ETB. It serves the local community as well as the wider Killarney area.
Like all primary schools, Two Mile CNS follows the Primary School Curriculum as laid down by the Department of Education, Principal Catherine Barry explained.
"What distinguishes the school from other primary schools is the ethos or characteristic spirit which is underpinned by the core values of Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community and Respect," she told the Killarney Advertiser.
Described as a happy welcoming place, children of all religions attend and learn about diversity from each other under the new model of learning.
In terms of the education provided, the pupils experience all subjects and strands of the curriculum as they would in any other primary school.
However, in place of religious education, the children engage with the 'Goodness Me Goodness You' programme (GMGY); a multi-belief and values curriculum which enables children to encounter identity education, values education, philosophy and multi-denominational religious education. GMGY contributes to the holistic development of the child and as such aims to enable every child to realise their potential as a unique individual.
"We have Catholic children, some with no religion, Muslim, Hindu, and we teach about all religions. The children's experience is brought in to it. We try to find links between them and they learn from each other. We also do philosophy for children and Community National Schools are the only ones doing that. The programme underpins the ethos of the school. It's really interesting. It encourages them to look at things from other peoples' point of view and that has a knock on affect."
Catherine is keen to add that Two Mile CNS is like any other primary school - the only difference is the ethos.
"We'll facilitate any religion. Any group that wants to organise religion classes, we would facilitate that. We aim to provide the highest standards of teaching and learning, where children are guided to become lifelong learners," Catherine said.
"Children experience a very caring, child-centred environment which respects diversity and equality. Society is more diverse now than ever and Two Mile CNS provides a multi-denominational option for parents of children in the Killarney area. It's the way forward."
News
Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship
Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship
O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship
Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.
O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.
Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June
A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.
Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.
Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”
The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.
Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship
Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship
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