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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 The new law will put an end to this outdated practice, and not a moment too soon as far as I’m concerned.

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Caoimhe Murray set for lead role in Musical Society’s 40th anniversary show

Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead […]

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Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead cast members, including local performer Caoimhe Murray.

Caoimhe takes on the role of Lorraine, a fun-loving and spirited character who falls in love with the mayor’s son, Dean Hyde.
The production is a significant family milestone for Caoimhe, who has been a member of the society for nine years.
She is the daughter of Amanda Murray and the granddaughter of Phil Spillane, both of whom are also long-standing members and part of this year’s cast.
This production marks Caoimhe’s fifth show with the society. Her previous experience includes playing Brigitta Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2018, as well as lead roles such as Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’ with her stage school. She also recently played Sophie in her school production of ‘Mamma Mia’.
Caoimhe has built an extensive background in performing arts through years of training.
She has been a student of Fiona Crowley’s Stage School since the age of five and has attended the West End House School of Arts for acting.
Her musical training includes singing lessons with Sorcha O’Connor and piano with Catriona Cahillane, alongside completing the AIMS Youth Summer School Programme last year.
‘All Shook Up’ will run at the Gleneagle Arena on February 10, 11, and 12. The show features the music of Elvis Presley and tickets are currently available through the Gleneagle Box Office or via Ticketmaster.

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Beaufort man collects 18th car from Randles Bros

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Beaufort resident Paddy O’Sullivan has marked 40 years of loyalty to Randles Bros by collecting his 18th vehicle from the dealership.

Paddy recently met with David Randles at Randles Bros Tralee to take delivery of his latest car, a new Nissan Qashqai.


The O’Sullivan family’s relationship with the garage dates back four decades to when Randles Bros operated as an Austin Morris dealer.

Paddy’s first purchase was a Morris Marina, one of the top-selling models of the 1970s.
As the dealership evolved, so did Paddy’s choice of vehicles.

When the garage took on the Datsun franchise, he moved into a Datsun 140 J, also known as the Datsun Violet.

Following the brand’s transition to Nissan in the 1980s, he became a frequent owner of the Nissan Bluebird. This was followed by a stint owning five different Nissan Primeras throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.


In recent years, he has transitioned to the Nissan Qashqai, with this latest ‘261’ registration marking his 18th time driving a new car out of the Randles Bros showroom.


David Randles thanked the Beaufort man for his continued business over the generations. “We want to thank Paddy and his family for being such a great customer to Randles Bros for so long,” he said. “Congratulations on your purchase Paddy, and safe travels.”

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