News
Behind the Mask a smash hit for Christmas

A book chronicling how the people of Killarney coped during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 is being snapped up in local bookshops in the days leading up to Christmas.
There is massive demand for Killarney Behind the Mask which, in words and pictures, focuses on the lives and experiences of many people who had to adapt to a whole new way of living with proceeds from the venture going to charity.
Killarney Behind the Mask tells the stories of ordinary men, women and children whose lives were turned upside down from January to December 2020 as Killarney battened down the hatches.
The book has been written and published by Killarney Advertiser columnist, Marie Carroll O’Sullivan, who made it her business to photograph and chat to as many local people as possible, initially within her 2km travel limit and later further afield, to determine how Killarney dealt with the pandemic.
She originally posted the stories on her social media site, The Little Memory Gallery, and the response was so positive that she decided to publish her work in book form.
LAUNCH
Speaking at the official launch on Saturday, author Marie said Behind the Mask oozes community spirit as demonstrated throughout a global pandemic.
“Through my eyes, it was never a big project, more a labour of love. I am immensely proud to showcase our beautiful town during a time when we radiated exceptional positivity and resilience,” she said.
“My notion of compiling a book was backed by the people of Killarney to the tune of thousands of euro. They invested in me and what a massive compliment that it,” she said.
“Behind the Mask gives the opportunity to give back to society as well as the beneficiaries involved and I thank each and every person involved who honoured ne by smiling down my lens in making this history book a possibility,” Marie said.
The 364-page hardback, coffee table style publication was officially launched at the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Saturday evening where the guest speakers included Mayor of Killarney Cllr Marie Moloney and inspirational teenager Ian O’Connell who wrote the foreword to the book.
The publication is dedicated to Marie’s parents, Mary and the late Pat, and to the late Killarney Garda Paudie Twohig who, with his Garda wife Diane, contributed hugely to the book.
CHARITIES
The beneficiaries of the sale of the book are the Kerry branch of the Irish Cancer Society and Pieta House-Nathan’s Walk while Marie has also decided to donate part of the proceeds to purchase pampering gifts for the COVID-19 staff at University Hospital Kerry.
AVAILABLE
The book, designed by Sinead Collins of Design by Sinead and edited by John O’Mahony of O’Mahony Media, retails at €35 and it is available at Eason on Main Street, Bricín on High Street, Kerry Catering Supplies at the Countess Shopping Centre and O’Connor’s Newsagents on Beech Road.
News
Matt Britton Flooring Now Open in Cork
Matt Britton a thriving, local, sustainable, family-run business that has evolved into the ultimate destination for Ireland’s finest hardwood flooring, luxury carpets and bespoke rugs is now open in Cork. […]

Matt Britton a thriving, local, sustainable, family-run business that has evolved into the ultimate destination for Ireland’s finest hardwood flooring, luxury carpets and bespoke rugs is now open in Cork.
Established in 1997 by brothers Matt and Craig, both fitters by trade, Matt Britton has become a popular household name throughout Ireland, a favourite among Ireland’s top interior designers and has been featured in an array of celebrities’ homes, including Peter O’Mahony, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Pippa O’Connor, Vogue Williams, Rosie Connolly, and Suzanne Jackson, among others.
Recent expansion plans included the opening of their fifth showroom, Matt Britton Cork, unveiled by Ireland, Munster and Lions rugby legend Peter O’Mahony.
“We are delighted to have launched our first Munster store as part of our expansion plans across Ireland. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from our customers who have previously travelled from Munster to visit us in Dublin and Wicklow and this has encouraged us to open a store closer to home for them. Moreover, we are pleased that the opening of this showroom has allowed us to create 10 new jobs in the local area,” said Managing Director Matt Britton .
Their showrooms are designed to offer customers a luxurious experience and showcase their extraordinary collection of hardwood flooring, opulent carpets, and bespoke rugs tailored to clients’ unique preferences.
News
Quest Killarney named Ireland’s best fitness and wellness event
Quest Adventure Series organised by Kerry based Elite Event Management came out winners at the Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Awards. Quest won Best Large Fitness and Wellness Event, beating other […]

Quest Adventure Series organised by Kerry based Elite Event Management came out winners at the Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Awards.
Quest won Best Large Fitness and Wellness Event, beating other well-known names in the fitness and event industry.
Irish gym clothing company Gym+Coffee established the Make Life Richer Awards as community-based awards that celebrate those who ‘Make Life Richer” to include people who have the same passion as they do and facilitate events and meet-ups that bring people together.
“The team at Quest are super-proud of this award and the achievement and would like to thank everyone who voted for them, and enjoys being part of the Quest community.,” said Elite Event Management’s Rebecca Kemp
Entries for Quest Killarney October 7 are now open at www.questadventureseries.com