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Celebration marks career of much-loved principal Denis Kerins

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Although Denis Kerins officially retired as principal of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra (SPSL) in October last year, the real celebration of his career took place just recently - when past and present staff gathered at The Brehon Hotel to mark his outstanding contribution to education.

Denis, who spent over 26 years in leadership roles at SPSL, is well-known and widely respected across Rathmore and the surrounding community. He became principal in 2008, having served as deputy principal since 1998, and was a constant, steady figure in the school for more than two decades.

Originally from Dublin, Denis began teaching in 1970 and spent several years working with the County Dublin VEC, before taking time out to volunteer on an education and horticulture project in Lesotho, Africa.

After returning to Ireland, he taught in Clondalkin for a number of years before eventually settling in Kerry, where he joined the staff at what would become SPSL.

During his time as principal, Denis oversaw major building works and extensions at the school, helping to modernise the facilities for future students. He also led the school community through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, always focusing on the wellbeing of staff and students.

One of the highlights of his time at SPSL was the celebration of the school’s 25th anniversary, marking the amalgamation of St. Mary’s Secondary School and Rathmore Vocational School - an event Denis described as a symbol of unity and progress.

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Community College TY students become qualified baristas

School Dayz Transition Year students at Killarney Community College spent last Tuesday learning the skills to become baristas. They completed a full-day training course and are now qualified to make […]

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School Dayz

Transition Year students at Killarney Community College spent last Tuesday learning the skills to become baristas.

They completed a full-day training course and are now qualified to make coffee, which could make them very employable in local cafes and restaurants this summer.
Their teachers, who are described as the school’s “resident coffee experts,” were impressed with the students’ hard work and enjoyed the lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos the students made throughout the day.
In addition to their barista training, the TY students also took a trip to Mallow. There, they learned about the rules of the road, practiced the driver theory test, and many got behind the wheel of a car for the first time. They also learned about the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

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Rising stars Amano and Lillie Foley to share stage in ANAM

Two of Killarney’s rising musical talents, Amano and Lillie Foley, are set to perform their first ever joint headline concert at the ANAM Cultural Centre. Singer-songwriter and sean nós singer […]

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Two of Killarney’s rising musical talents, Amano and Lillie Foley, are set to perform their first ever joint headline concert at the ANAM Cultural Centre.

Singer-songwriter and sean nós singer Amano will bring her ‘Mythilligocial Meitheal Tour’ home for a special live performance of both her contemporary and traditional music.

Joining her on the night is local rising star Lillie Foley, making it a special event to celebrate two young Killarney songwriters making their mark on the Irish music scene. The event is supported by Kerry County Council Arts Office.

Amano, described by Hot Press in 2024 as an “idiosyncratic talent” is comfortable performing in both English and Irish, draws influences from alt-folk, R&B, and traditional sean-nós singing.

Her project THREAD was nominated for Irish language Album and Song of the year at the Gradaim Nós in 2024.

Her recent singles, ‘Burn’ and ‘The Birthing House’, have received airplay on RTÉ Radio 1, Radio Kerry, and Raidió na Life.

Lillie Foley, a 22-year-old singer who recently graduated from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with a BA in Voice, has released two debut singles in 2025, ‘Someday’ and ‘That’s Life’, which blend pop, soul, and folk genres.

The event is supported by Kerry County Council Arts Office.

The concert will take place on May 23, at the ANAM Cultural Centre in Killarney, starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are available from €15 plus a booking fee on Ticketpass.org.

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