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Another step towards back to normal as school traffic wardens return to work

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Another step towards back to normal as school traffic wardens return to work

After almost five months off the job, popular School Traffic Warden Anne Breen returned to duty last week.

She took up her post the New Road/Rock Road junction on Wednesday morning, her first day at work since the national shut down was announced on March 12.

Originally from Ballyhaunis in County Mayo, the Countess Grove woman arrived in Killarney on November 1, 1983 to take to work in the newly opened Tesco (or Quinnsworth as it was known back then).

“There might have been a man involved,” she joked, as she hid her smile behind her Mayo facemask. Anne is married to well-known council worker and former fireman Anthony Breen.

“The Mayo mask is temporary, we are due to get the face shields later today,” she said on Wednesday – officially her first day back at work but she and her colleagues did participate in a health and safety briefing on Tuesday.

“It was all about keeping myself safe and keeping the children safe, keep your distance, common sense stuff, really,” she said.

This is her second year working as a school traffic warden and although employed by Killarney Municipal Council, she works very closely with The Mon and Holy Cross National Schools on New Road.

“We will help the secondary school students too, but in reality, we are here to work for the National Schools and work to their timetables,” she added.

Clearly well-respected by her ‘customers’ as parents and grandchildren encouraged their children to welcome her back to work as she escorted them across the road. She knew most of them by name and Anne’s reappearance at the school crossing signalled the return of some degree of familiarity to early morning town life.

Of course, there was some degree of confusion too, it is all of 24 weeks since March 12, so many motorists had forgotten that it is not permitted to turn right on to New Road during school drop-off and pick-up times. Some angry drivers let their feelings known through their hooters.

“They will have to get used to it,” said Anne, without getting too stressed about it. “It is great to be back. I was a little nervous but so far so good. We are waiting on the council to put down ‘Two Metre’ signs on the footpaths to encourage people to keep their distance. “

While Wednesday morning was relatively quiet, only the two primary schools were open to take in a new wave of junior infants. Anne is expecting that to change on Monday as the secondary schools re-open. First-Year students will begin their secondary school lives from Monday but by Thursday next, all schools will be operating at capacity – meaning traffic will be back to capacity too.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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