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An end to the baptism barrier 

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This week Minister Richard Bruton announced plans to remove the baptism barrier from 95% of Ireland’s primary schools. This means that from 2019 schools will not be allowed to take a child’s religion into account when considering their prospective enrolment.

The law, as it stands, permits Catholic schools to show preference to Catholic children. This isn’t generally an issue in rural areas where schools can accommodate all applicants, but competition for admission to certain schools in many major urban areas is fierce. As a result, some desperate non-Catholic parents have taken to baptising their children simply so they have a better chance of being accepted. It’s a mad situation when you think about it.

90% of primary schools in this country are still maintained by bodies that promote a Catholic ethos. Why should a child of a minority faith, or of no faith at all, be less entitled to an education at these schools than a Catholic child? The new law will put an end to this outdated practice, and not a moment too soon as far as I’m concerned.

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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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