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Calls for action on Derreen ‘Rat Run’ road

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A busy link road connecting Coolcorcoran to Cleeney via the Derreen housing estate is no longer fit for purpose according to the Mayor of Killarney.

The route, which is frequently used by motorists as a "rat run" to avoid traffic on the bypass, has seen a significant deterioration in its surface and safety standards in recent months.
The roadway serves as a vital access point for residents and hundreds of members of Killarney Legion GAA and Killarney Celtic FC.
Concerns are now mounting that the situation will become critical once construction is completed on the new multi-million euro sports centre at Derreen, which is expected to draw even larger volumes of traffic to the narrow stretch.
Mayor Martin Grady has formally called on the Killarney Municipal District to carry out emergency works to protect the safety of those using the route.
"I propose that Killarney Municipal District carry out necessary works on the road at Derreen, which is taking high volumes of traffic in the interest of the safety of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians," Cllr Grady said. "There is currently no footpath and the roadway is not fit for purpose for two-way traffic."
In response to the Mayor’s proposal, Kerry County Council acknowledged that a patchwork fix would not be enough to handle the long-term demands of the area. The Council confirmed it is currently developing a large-scale road improvement project to improve access through Derreen.
A Council spokesperson stated that the project is being developed in accordance with National Project Management Guidelines and is currently in "Phase 1," which involves the Concept and Feasibility stage.

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Céilí Mór will send ‘em home sweatin’

It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this […]

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It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney.

It will take place on the eve of the big feast day in the Killarney Great Southern and there will be a wonderful party atmosphere guaranteed on the night.
Providing the tunes will be the very highly regarded Uí Bhriaín Céilí Band and they promise to send everybody home sweating after what will be a memorable night for locals and visitors.
The March 16 céilí will commence at 9.00pm and continue right through until midnight and the admission for a wonderful night of pure Irish trad is just €10.00.
Bookings can be made on the festival website or patrons can pay at the door on the night.

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St Brendan’s student Aodhagan O’Sullivan crowned CPR champion

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Aodhagan O’Sullivan, a student at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, has been named the 2026 School CPR Challenge Champion.

The prestigious award was presented on Thursday, 26 February, during a large-scale event at the Gleneagle Hotel, where approximately 300 students from post-primary schools across the county gathered to compete for the title of “who can compress the best.”


Now in its fourth year, the event is organised by the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) Community First Responders.

The KCRU is a volunteer-led group that provides vital emergency response services to Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Firies, Rathmore, and Kenmare.

The challenge focused on “Quality CPR” (QCPR), combining a high-stakes competition with practical life-saving training and the chance for students to engage directly with local emergency and community services.


The competition utilised advanced QCPR technology to measure the depth and rate of compressions, ensuring that students aren’t just learning the motions, but are performing life-saving techniques to a clinical standard.

Beyond the competitive element, the day served as an educational hub, highlighting the “chain of survival” and the importance of immediate bystander intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest.


The 2026 challenge was made possible through the support of the Vodafone Foundation, The Gleneagle Hotel, and First Aid Systems Ltd, alongside a variety of local sponsors. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the 300 participants, noting that such events are essential for building a “heart-safe” community and equipping the next generation with the skills to save a life.

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