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Calls to save historic watch towers from dereliction

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Calls to save historic watch towers from dereliction

Well-known local man Jerry O’Grady, the Chairman of the Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty Memorial Society, is growing increasing concerned about condition of two buildings of historical importance that are after falling into disrepair.

Two of Killarney's 19th Century stone-built watchtowers are in serious danger of being irretrievably damaged and lost due to official neglect according to Mr O’Grady who is calling for intervention by Kerry County Council or the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Tower and Lodge on the Kenmare Road and Round Tower at Lord Brandon's Cottage are in danger of becoming derelict.

“A short few years ago there was talk within the National Parks and Wildlife Service that the [Kenmare Road] building could and should be restored and possibly put to a tourism/heritage use,” Mr O’Grady said.

“At the time, the single-story Lodge was largely intact and the Tower was free of plant life. Unfortunately, nothing was done and today it is all but invisible from the road. There is little doubt but in a short time the structure of the Tower will be damaged beyond repair and will join some other parts of our built heritage such as Ross Cottage, Glena, and Queen’s Cottage as derelict shells or heaps of rubble.”

Mr O’Grady is calling for an official campaign, similar to the one that saved Killarney House to be established to safe and protect the Watch Towers.

“Our now beautiful Killarney House and Gardens was ignored for decades by these agencies and sustained lobbying by local heritage and tourism interests was all but ignored. Without the fortuitous timing of Failte Ireland Funding becoming available and a committed Minister for Heritage being in office at the right time [Jimmy Deenihan], it is safe to assume that it too would have had a similar fate,” he added.

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Centenary exhibition to chart early years of Fianna Fáil in Kerry

. The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933. The exhibition details how […]

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The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933.

The exhibition details how the party established itself in a county where Civil War divisions were particularly deep-seated. It covers the transition of local figures from revolutionary activities to parliamentary politics and the intense election battles of the late 1920s. Visitors will be able to view documents and archives that illustrate how the party built its organisation across South Kerry in its first decade.

As part of the event, local historian and author Dr. Owen O’Shea will give a public lecture at the library on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. His talk will focus on the foundation of the party and the “bullets to ballots” transition in Kerry politics. The exhibition is free to attend and will be open during the library’s scheduled operating hours throughout the month of March.
The project is the result of extensive research funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The grant was awarded under the Commemorations Bursary Scheme for 2025-2026 and managed by the Royal Irish Academy. This scheme supports local research that helps the public better understand the political and social evolution of Ireland following the Civil War.

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St Brendan’s College travel to London

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5th year students from St Brendan’s College went to London on their English school trip.

They enjoyed a production of ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Prince of Wales theatre.

The following morning was spent touring Tate Modern before attending a tour and a brilliant interactive workshop in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre focusing on their Leaving Certificate single text “Othello”.

The focus of the workshop centred on the performative elements of the play in relation to themes and character development. 

All students performed with great theatrical verve. 

A brilliant experience for all before attending an acclaimed production of the play in the Theatre Royal.

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