News
Aishling takes a ‘Dip a Day’ for Pieta House fundraiser
By Sean Moriarty
A Mid-Kerry woman, who is aiming to swim every day for a year, will include Dundag Beach in her ‘Dip A Day’ fundraiser for Pieta House.
Aishling Clifford started sea swimming on August 6 last year at Rossbeigh. During the 5km restrictions she was unable to get to her local beach so she started swimming in Caragh Lake instead.
When inter-county restrictions were lifted she was able to broaden her horizons and since last August has swam in either a lake or the sea every day. So far she has clocked up 47 different swimming locations across the entire country.
As she nears her one year anniversary of her ‘Dip a Day’ challenge, she has decided to raise funds for Pieta House over the 40 days leading in to the anniversary.
Her best friend Stephanie O’Sullivan died tragically 10 years ago and Aishling wanted to remember her while raising funds for the national suicide awareness charity.
“When we were growing up there was no help for mental health sufferers, we knew nothing about it,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “A lot of people are suffering because of lockdown.”
She will swim at Dundag Bay near Muckross House on July 17 as part of the fundraiser and is calling on all local swimmers to join her at 9.30am on the day.
“Before lockdown, you would not find me near the water,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “Caragh Lake became my second home. It was very cold in February and March. Rossbeigh is like a sauna after swimming in the lakes.”
Donations to 'Dip a Day’ can be made via: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aishling-clifford.
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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