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60th anniversary of the opening of Muckross House.

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Board of Trustees of Muckross House, Killarney, have announced a comprehensive programme of events to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the opening of Muckross House to the public, beginning on June 14.

Now one of Ireland's premier tourist attractions, the house was opened as a Kerry Folk Museum on June 14, 1964, and is run in partnership by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the voluntary Board of Trustees.
Local dignitaries, some current and former staff as well as some current and former Trustees will attend a formal ceremony at Muckross House, on the day.
There will also be free admission to Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms throughout the weekend (14-16 June) where the gGuides and Traditional Farm staff will provide their usual high standard of interpretation for visitors.
Several major developments have been undertaken by NPWS in partnership with the Trustees of Muckross House since 1964, including restoration work, the development of Muckross Traditional Farms, building the Muckross Schoolhouse, nurturing of traditional crafts, such as weaving, pottery and bookbinding; opening the Garden Restaurant and Craftshop and the development of an in-house research library.
An estimated one million people visit the Muckross area annually. Of these, 120,000 visit Muckross House, and 65,000 visit Muckross Traditional Farms. The Trustees of Muckross House currently employ more than 100 people.
"While Muckross is an undoubted magnet for tourists, it is also a huge attraction for the local community who visit and support the facilities all year round. Local people have a deep love of Muckross and we hope they will take part in and enjoy our celebrations to mark this historic year,'' said trustees chairman, Marcus Treacy.
Meanwhile, two long-term signature projects related to music and dance are also planned by the Trustees of Muckross House as part of the celebrations. Composer J. J. O'Shea is composing a musical suite, telling the story of Muckross through music. Also, a traditional dance project, based in north Kerry and carried out 40 years ago by Dr Catherine Foley, is being revisited to see how the dance has evolved since then.

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Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra

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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

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Four Esquires Productions’ ambitions for a full-length feature film in Kerry

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Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of shooting the project entirely in Kerry using a local cast and crew.


The group has been working on various side projects, including short films, and has successfully pitched a potential feature film script.
Before embarking on the film project, the group will return to the stage for a three-night summer run at Courtney’s Bar on College Street from Monday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 24.
The upcoming production features four new short comic plays focused on dark humour and off-beat reflections on human behaviour.
Tickets for the performances are available via Eventbrite, and the group has also launched a new Instagram page to provide updates on both the live shows and their film ambitions.
“The summer is here that means two things. Warm rain and Four Esquires Productions have four new theatrical plays at Courtneys,” said spokesperson Brian Bowler. “The group have been busy on side projects including short films and successfully pitching a potential feature film. The end goal is to have it shot in Kerry utilising Kerry cast and crew. But before they do that we are back with new material and performers. We encourage all to get tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Audiences can expect off beat reflections on human behaviour.”

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