Muckross Rowing Club will celebrate the official launch of three new racing boats, marking a special occasion in the club’s history.

The boats will be named in honour of three distinguished club members, Paul Griffin, Sean Casey and Cathal Moynihan, who achieved remarkable success on both the national and international stage during their rowing careers.

Each proudly represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008.

Their rowing careers scaled to the ultimate stage of the Olympic Games when they represented Ireland in 2004 and 2008.

The three athletes donned the green jersey first at a young age with representation in Junior and U23 international competition before all progressing to represent Ireland at senior level.

The club has expressed pride in its three members who have represented their club and country so successfully.

The launch will take place on Sunday, February 22 at 2pm at the Club’s boathouse and all are welcome to attend

Several Killarney hotels were honoured for their outstanding service at the CIÉ Tours Annual Awards of Excellence.

CIÉ Tours, the largest carrier of US visitors to Ireland every year, held its annual awards of excellence which celebrates Irish hoteliers and tourist experience operators.

The Europe Hotel & Resort was awarded gold for ‘Best 5 Star Hotel’.

The hotel is known for its elegance and luxury, and the hotel lies on the shores of Lough Lein overlooking the vast and magnificent Kerry landscape.

Great Southern Killarney received a gold award for ‘Best Hotel Service & Hospitality.

The hospitality venue was commended for its charm and warm welcome; the hotel ensures that its guests have a memorable stay.

The Plaza, International Hotel, Towers Hotel, and the Avenue received merit awards in the Munster hotel category.

Meanwhile, Killarney Horse & Carriage Tours were recipients of a merit award in the Munster visitor experience category.

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, acknowledged the commitment of tour operators across Ireland and paid tribute to the award recipients.

He said: “These awards are a testament to the high standards of quality that each operator holds and is a well-deserved recognition of their work in welcoming CIÉ Tours visitors to Ireland, providing them with unique and unrivalled experiences”.