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Valentina is teaching free English courses to retirees

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Valentina Tupchiy is 63-years-old. She arrived in Killarney from Kyiv in late March. She retired in Kyiv a few years ago, but she also taught English to older Ukrainian on a volunteer basis.

Her course was called 'Learning English with Valentina Tupcha'.

“I continue to study the language myself, I am not a professional teacher. But I really want to share my knowledge with those who are just starting to learn English. For many adults, this is difficult, so when they see their peers as a mentor, they realise that they can learn a foreign language just like me,” she said.

Valentina adds that she is ready to become a volunteer and support Ukrainians with translation in the INTREO office, because most people, especially the elderly, do not have language skills.
At the same time, she continues to study on her own and walks three times a week from Fossa to Killarney to attend English language courses as a student. Valentina is constantly improving herself. She never stops.

In Kyiv, in her past life, Valentina was not only an English teacher. She trained and became a Nordic walking coach. Several times a week she gathered retirees for training. She is ready to continue training everyone and here in Killarney, she only needs special gear.

Before retiring, she worked all her life in banking and headed various financial institutions. She was the first person to launch Visa and Mastercard payment systems in Ukraine. She helped the National Bank of Ukraine develop all the necessary regulations for launching international payment systems.

"I know everything about bank cards and payment systems," she said.

Full of energy and love for life, in Ireland she overcomes new heights and challenges. Such as improving the Ukrainian language, the course of which she takes online, constant reading of books, studying English and the history of Ireland.

In addition to books, Valentina follows the latest news from Ukraine and Ireland, is aware of all developments and can keep the conversation going not only about the weather, but also about the results of the last elections in Northern Ireland.

"I find a lot in common in the history of Ireland and Ukraine: the annexation of territories, famine, the extermination of the national language - all this combines the centuries-old history of Ireland and Ukraine. I want the Irish and Ukrainians to know more about each other, so I am preparing information that I want to share with both communities. We are closer than we seem,” she added.

When asked how she saw life in Killarney she said she was inspired by the interactions and relationships between people in the local community.

“In big Kyiv, neighbours from an apartment building are often unfamiliar with each other. Instead, Killarney is a very close and warm community, where everyone knows each other and everyone is very open and friendly. Local people are always ready to help each other,” added Valentina.

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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