Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne councillor Jackie Healy-Rae has launched a new podcast focused on Kerry County Council meetings.

Titled The Chamber, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a clear and direct insight into what is happening inside the council chamber, from the councillor’s perspective.

Cllr Healy-Rae said the idea behind the podcast is to explain what is being discussed and decided at council meetings, and what those decisions mean for people on the ground.

While there are more ways than ever for people to get their news and information, Healy Rae said that he felt there was a space for something more direct and accessible.

He explained: “The Chamber is about bringing people inside the council chamber and explaining what’s going on, without jargon or spin.”

Each episode will provide updates from council meetings, outlining key motions, discussions and decisions, and offering a councillor’s perspective on local issues that affect everyday life from infrastructure and services to planning and community matters.

The first episode, focusing on the January full council meeting, is now available, with further episodes planned on a regular basis following council meetings.

The Chamber is available on Spotify and via Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae’s social media channels.

The sport of pickleball continues to grow in the Killarney area with the addition of a second club in Fossa and another new club on the district fringes in Duhallow.

Killarney Pickleball Club kicked off the new year by hosting two visiting clubs last week.
On Sunday, members welcomed their nearest neighbours from County Cork, the Duhallow club based near Kanturk.
On Tuesday morning, the club welcomed Fossa, their nearest local rivals in Kerry. The two groups were already well-acquainted as both clubs share a number of players between them.
Michael Lyne of the Killarney club noted that the growth of the sport locally has been remarkable. He highlighted the social and competitive benefits of these inter-club meetings, which help build a strong community for players of all ages and abilities.
For those looking to take up the sport, Fossa Pickleball currently plays on Thursday afternoons in the Old Church. Killarney Pickleball Club continues its regular schedule at the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, with sessions held on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am and Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm.