Lissivigeen pupils create glass mosaics for new sensory garden

Fifth-class pupils at Lissivigeen National School have completed a series of colourful glass mosaics as part of the national BLAST Residency Programme.

The project saw the school collaborate with Kerry-based glass artist Julianne Foley over a 20-hour residency focused on creativity and hands-on design.
The initiative, part of the Creative Youth Plan, allows schools to work with professional artists to develop skills in innovation and problem-solving. Guided by Julianne, the students in Ms O’Mahony’s class moved from initial sketches to cutting and arranging multicoloured glass before grouting their final pieces.
The artwork was inspired by the school’s new sensory garden, which is currently under construction. Principal Ellen Cagney noted that the project provided a unique opportunity for pupils to express themselves artistically while working together on a shared vision for the school grounds. The finished mosaics are currently on display in the school lobby before they are moved to their permanent home in the garden.

The annual Streets of Killarney 5-mile road race is officially a sell-out ahead of the event on Good Friday, April 3.

Organised by Killarney Valley AC, the race has attracted a capacity field including some of Ireland’s top distance runners alongside members from over 50 different athletics clubs.

Race committee leader Sinead Hickey confirmed that the event reached its registration limit early this year.

The proceeds from the race are vital for the continued sustainability of the Killarney Valley AC Arena, a facility essential for the development of track and field athletics within the local school and sporting community.

Local resident and Canadian Paralympic athlete Maddie Wilson Walker will serve as the official race ambassador.

While elite runners will lead the pack, the field is comprised of athletes of all abilities, including many local families competing against one another.

The event starts at 7pm sharp on the grounds of Killarney House. Spectators are encouraged to line the route and gather at the finish line on Beech Road to support both the participants and the volunteers.

The organisers have expressed their gratitude to Kerry County Council, the Gardaí, the OPW, and the local business community for their cooperation in hosting the event.

Traffic restrictions and road closures for Good Friday race

Motorists and businesses are advised that significant traffic restrictions will be in place throughout Killarney town centre on Friday evening, 3 April, to facilitate the 5-mile road race.

Closures and diversions will be enforced from 6.30pm until approximately 8.30pm.

Main Street, New Street, and High Street will be fully closed to all vehicular traffic for the duration of the event.

Additionally, partial closures will be in effect on Beech Road, New Road, and Port Road.

As the race course follows a route up High Street and turns left onto New Road and Port Road, the left-hand side of these specific roads will be cordoned off for the safety of the runners.

Access will be restricted as the race exits the National Park, crosses Port Road, and completes two laps of the town circuit.

The finish line will be located at the Killarney Tourist Office on Beech Road.

Local residents and business owners are asked to plan their journeys accordingly and follow the directions of the Gardaí and race marshals who will be managing the junctions.