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Annual gathering to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Paps of Anú

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A call from our ancient ancestors to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the sacred Paps of Anú mountain takes place on Saturday, December 21 with the kind permission of landowners Sean and Mary O’Donoghue.

Walkers will depart in darkness at 6.45 am from Garries Bridge, the first bridge after St Agatha’s Church, Glenflesk on the Main Cork Road.

This year's chosen charity is Killarney Water Rescue - a voluntary team of dedicated people, whose mission is to respond, support and assist in search and rescue on a 24/7/365 basis.

The crew members train on the Lakes of Killarney, practising navigation, emergency first aid, hands-on practice in boating skills, rope work, weather charts and rescue techniques
Kieran Caulfield Chairman of Killarney Water Rescue, said “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as this year's charity, new equipment and training are key to us providing a service and availability 24/7. The Lakes of Killarney are magnificent, but as we know, the weather can turn unexpectedly. If we can make a difference through our voluntary service saving one kayaker or rescuing a swimmer in difficulty, then your donations will have made this happen.”

Carpooling is encouraged at the Kerry Way Inn, Glenflesk. Paddy Chauvet and staff will be baking scones and providing complimentary tea and coffee for all the early risers after the trek. Donations to Killarney Water Rescue can be given on the morning at the Kerry Way Inn.

The long walk in darkness to the summit, has two strenuous inclines, leading to the Western Pap at 690 metres. At approximately 8.45 am sunrise begins. John Lynch, whose family are neighbouring landowners, will perform an ancient ritual of placing a piece of holly into the Cairn on the summit. Then the craic begins with the finest musicians from Glenflesk, Derry and Rosie Healy and Michael MacGillycuddy, as John sets the pace for the Sliabh Luachra Polka. Mountaineer Donie Mulcahy and crew will guide the walkers to and from the summit.

These ancient sacred summits, ‘The Paps of Anú’, resemble a pair of breast-shaped hills known as ‘The Paps’ in the Derry Na Saggart Mountains close to the Cork/Kerry border. The Paps have long been associated with mythology, mysticism and majesty. The Goddess Anú represents all that is earthly, fertile, abundant and protective.

It is compulsory to wear a head torch, a level of fitness is required. Proper walking boots and rain gear are advised. Guides will be on duty for a gear check before departure.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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