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5,500 volunteers collected 8,000 bags during Clean-up

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A record 5,500 volunteers took part in the Kerry County Clean-up last month which saw 8,000 bags of litter collected, the highest ever tally in the seven years in which the environmental and community initiative has existed. KWD Recycling and Kerry County Council have completed an analysis of the litter collected which revealed that single-use drinking containers were the most common item of litter retrieved from locations across the county, followed by sweet/chocolate wrappers.

This year’s County Clean-up took place on Saturday, April 14, and the largest ever number of volunteers took part, as Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Sheahan explained: “The growing success of the initiative since it was established in 2012 is evident in the huge voluntary effort all over Kerry and the volume of litter retrieved is indicative of the larger numbers taking part. We need to continue to harness this voluntary spirit and ensure that more people take part in clean-ups like this in their areas more often. Tidy Towns groups are always looking for volunteers, or there may be potential for a new group like that in your area. I would like to thank the many volunteers who led the charge in their own areas and I want to acknowledge the work of KWD Recycling in collecting and disposing of the litter.”

The Cathaoirleach paid tribute particularly to Kerry GAA, Kerry IFA and Kerry ICMSA and Chamber Alliances who mobilised their members all over Kerry to come out on the day and lend a hand.

Noel O’Reilly of KWD Recycling said there was a strong commitment to the clean up all over Kerry with many individuals and groups getting involved for the first time. “Far more areas and roadsides were covered than usually which contributed to the large increase in the number of bags of litter,” he said. “We are sending certificates to all the groups that registered and sincere thanks to them for making such a wonderful effort.”

YEAR                             2012    2013       2014    2015    2016    2017    2018

Bags collected             5,000   6,500     7,400   6,000   7,000   6,500   8,000

Volunteers                   500        900      2,550   3,200   3,500   5,000   5,500

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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