News
Calls for road safety measures at Knockanes National School
By Sean Moriarty
Staff and parents from Knockanes National School are growing increasingly concerned at road safety measures near the Headford school.
At last week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting Kerry County Council officials and elected councillors were told of the growing problems at the school.
These include just eight parking spaces for 12 members of staff forcing some to park on a narrow road verge for the day.
School set-down and pick-up times are also a problem. Parents must contend with industrial traffic from a nearby quarry. The school currently has 65 pupils and this is expected to grow to 80 by 2024. A total of 45 different families attend the school.
“Dropping and collecting times make for chaotic scenes,” Leonard Moran, a member of the school’s Board of Management, told the meeting.
Principal Lucy O’Sullivan also aired her concerns saying "swift action towards a solution" was needed.
“These concerns around lack of parking and road safety are very much significant and warrant attention and swift action towards a solution so that our school can continue to progress and thrive in terms welcoming an increased enrolment, catering for pupils with additional needs and providing a safe and secure educational setting for each and every pupil that attends our school at present and into the future,” she said.
The deputation was brought by Cllr Niall Kelleher who lives in the area. He and several other councillors pledged to offer some of their annual budget allocations to the school so a solution can be found.
“The only solutions are to find a place for staff to park and a set down area outside the school,” he told the meeting.
Killarney area engineer said: “The ultimate solution is a car park but there are two issues, buying land and funding.”
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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