News
60 mile challenge to benefit life-saving service
By Michelle Crean
Next month will see a well-known Rathmore man hitting the local roads in a bid to clock up miles to help keep a life-saving service in the air.
Michael O'Mahony, better known to most as PRO for both the East Kerry GAA and Rathmore Community Council, is taking part in 60 Miles for Missions for the Irish Community Air Ambulance (ICAA), a service he says is invaluable to rural communities.
Michael himself was behind setting up a similar air ambulance many years ago with a group of Kerry people but unfortunately after talks with the then Minister for Health James Reilly, it never took off.
More recently he knew of local rescues and it reiterated the importance of the service across the country but more so in for Kerry.
"An air ambulance for Kerry is very important especially for rural areas where an ambulance can't get to," Michael told the Killarney Advertiser.
Relying completely on public donations, the ICRR was in danger of being grounded in more recent times.
"I think it's very important and the Government should be funding some part of the service. Funding is mainly down to the community."
The fundraiser Michael is taking on will include walking two to three miles a day to fulfil his 60 mile goal in September.
Since setting up his fundraising page on Facebook at the weekend he has already hit his €300 target. However, now he's hoping people will continuing donating whatever they can.
"If they haven't funding they can't run the air ambulance. It would be an awful loss to the community," Michael said. "All donations are greatly appreciated."
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
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