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Ballyhar woman and daughter win Reeks District luxury adventure break

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A Ballyhar woman and her daughter will enjoy a post-lockdown luxury adventure in the Reeks District after their video won a Facebook competition organised by the tourism agency.

Annie Rose Vogels, supervised by mom Maureen Hegarty-Vogels and dad Thys Vogels, took on the challenge of creating a video of how they could complete the Reeks District Big Five Challenge during lockdown after a selection of Big Five Adventurers posted an appeal for people to try and better their own efforts from a video campaign launched in mid-April.

As soon as restrictions are lifted, the pair will get to enjoy their prize that includes the cream of Irish adventure activities, including climbing Carrauntoohil, kayaking on Caragh Lake, cycling the Ring of the Reeks, surfing on Inch Beach and taking part in an after-dark SUP adventure on Lough Cloon.

Throughout they will get stay in lakeside luxury at Carrig Country House and dine in some of the region’s best restaurants such as Ard Na Sidhe Country House on Caragh Lake and Killorglin’s Sol Y Sombra.

The Big Five Lockdown Edition competition was launched in mid-April when adventure tourism companies in the Reeks got together to create a fun video showcasing how they were keeping their adventure spirits up during the COVID-19 crisis.

Their video was seen by more than 30,000 people who were challenged to create their own version of the film – and two of the entries were chosen for the final reckoning in a battle to see which effort got the most Facebook ‘likes’.

After five days of keen voting as the finalists mobilised their friends and family to vote, Maureen and Annie’s version held a narrow 831-764 victory over the entry from fellow finalist Kilcummin-based Geraldine O’Halloran and her family. In total, the two videos were seen more than 10,500 times.

“We are all keen mountain climbers, love the outdoors, hillwalking, kayaking, cycling, so the prize is right down our alley,” Maureen said. “We love the idea of the Big Five initiative and it really will be a family adventure for us, while also an amazing challenge. It’s really something to look forward to once lockdown is over and we can make a weekend of it.”

Chair of the Reeks District Jens Bachem congratulated Maureen and Annie for their superb win.

"Commiserations to Geraldine and her family who produced such a strong effort themselves. We launched the Big Five Lockdown Edition competition to try and give people something fun to do, as well as remind people that the Reeks’ amazing outdoor adventures are here waiting for them as soon as restrictions are lifted. The Reeks District would like to offer a huge thanks to all who made this happen; our Adventurers who created their own videos with such great enthusiasm, all the businesses who have helped provide the prizes, the public who watched and voted in the Grand Final and, of course, our two finalists for their great videos.”

The Big Five Challenge Lockdown Edition entry mechanic and a full list of participating businesses can be seen at www.reeksdistrict.com.

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A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

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St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

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European title for Killarney handball star

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By Con Dennehy

Killarney handball star Owen Brosnan answered Ireland’s call at the weekend with a breathtaking display at the European One Wall Tour in London.

Currow native and Spa Killarney Handballer, Brosnan took on the best players in England, Wales, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France and Israel and thanks to a superb display returned back to Kerry with a European gold medal following his phenomenal success in the Men’s C Plate competition.
Played at the Westway Sports Complex in London, more than 150 players took part in the competition on six indoor courts with Brosnan and his Killarney team colleague Tim Cronin playing 15 games over the two days. Following earlier round victories, Brosnan was paired with Tim Cronin in a Kerry dominated semifinal clash. This was an exciting high-octane game with both players producing a classic display of handball. Aces were hard fought with just one point separating both players at the end of a pulsating game. Brosnan advanced to the final on a 21-20 scoreline. “I was thrilled with my semifinal game. It was a hard-fought contest with all the training at the Spa GAA Hall helping me edge out a win. We train together and know each other strengths and weaknesses which added to the excitement of the occasion. We both teamed up in the Men’s B Plate Doubles competition reaching the semifinal where we were defeated by Matt Flapan and Gleb Spiridon, a USA/Israel combination,” said Owen.
Brosnan produced a superb display of fast paced handball in the Men’s C Plate final where his opponent was the highly fancied Josh Thomas from Wales. Using the court to his full advantage, the Killarney player produced a brilliant all-round performance to record a 21-18 victory and in the process his first major title.
“Naturally, I was delighted with the success. Both Tim and I started the sport by accident over 12 months ago when we attended an Open Family Day at Spa GAA Club. Brendan O’Donoghue, one of the founders of Spa Killarney Handball Club, was giving a demonstration of handball and invited us to try it out. We both enjoyed the experience and have been playing ever since. We are looking forward to the various domestic competitions over the coming months and really enjoy the training and fun element to the sport in the club.”

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