Pavel Vošalík, the Ambassador of Czechia to Ireland, visited Killarney recently to meet with Mayor Martin Grady and local officials.

The visit is part of the 2026 EU Presidency County Pairings initiative. For the duration of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins in July, every Irish county has been “twinned” with an EU member state. Kerry has been officially paired with Czechia to strengthen cultural and business links between the two regions.

During the meeting at Killarney Town Hall, the Ambassador discussed future community connections and expressed a particular interest in the legacy of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty. Ambassador Vošalík also met with the Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, as part of his trip to the county.

Under the twinning programme, Ambassador Vošalík and the Irish Ambassador to Czechia, Alan Gibbons, will return to Kerry later this year for a series of public events at schools, libraries, and local clubs.

In the absence of an official Darkness into Light walk in Killarney this year, members of Fossa Rowing Club marked the occasion on the water to raise funds and awareness for Pieta House.

Rowers launched their boats into the lakes in the early hours of Saturday morning, joining thousands of people across the country in the annual event for the suicide awareness charity.

The event concluded as the sun rose over the lakes, continuing the tradition of the charity fundraiser which provides vital support services for those affected by suicide and self-harm.