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Book launch: Sister completes late brother’s Shipping Forecast sea kayak challenge

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Book launch: Sister completes late brother’s Shipping Forecast sea kayak challenge

A unique book promotional event will take place in the Beaufort Bar next week, telling the story of a sister who took to the sea to complete her late brother's extraordinary adventure.

Katie Carr will speak at the Beaufort venue on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30pm to launch her most recent book, Thundery at Times. The book follows her journey to honour her brother, Toby, who passed away in the middle of his challenge to paddle in every sea area of the BBC Shipping Forecast. Despite having never been in a sea kayak before, Katie decided to take over the expedition and finish what he started.

The upcoming talk connects her new perspective with her earlier work, Moderate Becoming Good Later, which she wrote in Toby’s voice as a tribute to his determination. Her latest book looks at the intense physical and emotional challenges of taking on the journey herself.

Six of the famous BBC Shipping Forecast area, Fastnet, Irish Sea, Shannon, Rockall, Malin, and Lund, reach the Irish coast. Five of the book's chapters are set in Ireland, including a dedicated chapter on Kerry, making her upcoming visit to the county particularly meaningful.

The launch is being highlighted locally by Donal Dowd of Coolcaslagh, the retired Director of Cappanalea OETC, who accompanied Katie on the water during her journey.

"I accompanied Katie on one of her trips while she was completing the Shannon section, which commences in Valentia and stretches up as far north as Connemara in west Galway," Donal said. "I encourage members of the public to attend what will be an entertaining event, as Katie is a most entertaining speaker, has great slides and video footage, and has a very interesting story to tell."

The evening will include readings from the book, reflections on the writing and paddling processes, an audience question-and-answer session, and a book signing. Admission is open to all members of the public.

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Glamour and glitz for St Brendan’s College Debs

Glamour and glitz were the order of the day as students from St Brendan’s College cut a dash at their annual Debs ball on Monday. Students gathered for a stylish […]

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Glamour and glitz were the order of the day as students from St Brendan’s College cut a dash at their annual Debs ball on Monday.

Students gathered for a stylish pre-debs reception at St Brigid’s before being whisked off to the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee, where celebrations continued long into the night.
As much a coming-of-age celebration as the end of an era, the occasion marked the students’ final act together following six years at the town centre college.
With Leaving Certificate results looming, the Class of 2026 now prepares to take their next steps, whether heading off to third-level education, beginning apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. Whatever path they choose, we wish them the very best in all their future endeavours.
Photos: Michelle Cooper Galvin

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Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub

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Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub


A Kilcummin native living in New Zealand is appealing to the Kerry community for genuine local memorabilia to decorate his new Irish pub and deli on the other side of the world.


Cian Curtin and his wife are currently fitting out The Snug, a new venture located in New Brighton, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. By day, the venue will operate as a deli serving Irish staples such as breakfast rolls, chicken fillet rolls, home-made soda bread, and fresh milk. In the evenings, it will transform into a traditional neighbourhood pub featuring Irish food, drink, and live music.
Determined to create an authentic atmosphere rather than relying on generic decorations, Cian is calling on Kerry locals, businesses, and sports clubs to send over items with a real story behind them.
“Being from Kilcummin, there’ll naturally be plenty of Kerry influence around the place. One thing that’s particularly important to me is that the pub doesn’t end up filled with generic, newly made ‘Irish pub’ decorations. I’d much rather fill the walls gradually with genuine pieces from home that have a bit of history and a story behind them. If any local pubs, clubs, businesses or readers had an old sign, photograph, jersey, bar piece or other bit of Kerry memorabilia gathering dust that they thought deserved a new home on the other side of the world, I’d absolutely love to hear from them.”
If you can help email: thesnugirishbar@gmail.com

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