News
Community College students recognised by AIB’s national life skills programme

By Michelle Crean
Killarney Community College is one of 16 schools in Ireland to be recognised by the AIB Future Sparks Programme which focuses on themes including sustainability, financial wellness, health and well-being, globalisation and civic literacy.
The local school was selected out of 585 schools registered with the programme and will now take part in a tree planting ceremony with their local AIB branch manager.
The AIB Future Sparks Programme is a new skills-based interdisciplinary programme for secondary school students, aimed at supporting 12-18-year-olds in the development and learning of key life skills. It also supports the development of core skills including communications, critical thinking and digital innovation.
Guidance counsellor in Killarney Community College, Niamh Mulligan, saw the challenges that students faced when moving from primary school into secondary school, so she set out to support their First Year students, helping them learn the skills they would need to adapt to the change.
The school prioritised time and space the young students need to focus on well-being topics such as self-esteem, self-confidence, decision-making, family challenges, stress and mental health. They set up workshops and found resources, such as the AIB Future Sparks Programme First Year Transition Workbook, which helped their students learn the necessary skills.
Killarney Community College has received a plaque to commemorate its participation, as well as a native Irish tree which will be planted on the grounds of their school.
These trees will contribute to the bank’s commitment to plant 90,000 native Irish trees over the next three years on behalf of new AIB second-level student account holders. Students were also awarded with individual digital certs to recognise their hard work while supporting biodiversity.
“The AIB Future Sparks programme is giving our students valuable life skills," Niamh said. "When students are happy, they learn.”
AIB’s Chief People Officer, Geraldine Casey, added that she'd like to "congratulate Killarney Community College on their fantastic achievement and indeed all of the students and schools who have participated in the AIB Future Sparks Programme".
"At AIB, we are delighted to play our part in supporting students and teachers with educational resources under this programme to guide skills development and preparedness for life beyond school and the world of work.”
Through the programme, students and teachers have access to over 55 educational videos from more than 45 different business, thought leaders and entrepreneurs. They also have access to 190 educational resources including case studies, worksheets, lesson plans and exam questions with content tailored to the various age groups throughout second level.
The AIB Future Sparks Programme is free for all teachers and schools to join, and they can register for the programme on AIB’s website.
News
Flesk Fest promises to be a great evening of fun
By Michelle Crean Glenflesk GAA are planning a fun filled evening of top class entertainment. The Flesk Fest takes place on Saturday July 16 at 4pm in The Kerryway Steakhouse […]

By Michelle Crean
Glenflesk GAA are planning a fun filled evening of top class entertainment.
The Flesk Fest takes place on Saturday July 16 at 4pm in The Kerryway Steakhouse & Bar.
Two exciting bands ‘All Folk’d Up’ and ‘Super Ceili’ will be playing and there’ll be plenty of fun and games and a delicious barbecue, raffle with some great prizes, and of course the ever popular Hang Tough Challenge!
“Please come out and support this great event! Tell your friends and we will make it a night to remember,” Seamus Healy from Glenflesk GAA said.
” Admission is only €15, and tickets are available from Mary McCarrick 087 7750773, Padraig O’Sullivan 087 0530384 or any club officer. They are also available in the Kerryway on the night.
News
Rising cycling star selected for Belgium Project
By Sean Moriarty Killarney cyclist Sam Bolger (18) has been selected as one of four riders for the Belgian Project – one of the most prestigious stepping stones for Irish riders […]

By Sean Moriarty
Killarney cyclist Sam Bolger (18) has been selected as one of four riders for the Belgian Project – one of the most prestigious stepping stones for Irish riders with ambitions to turn professional.
Northern Ireland-based Belgian Danny Blondell is the man behind the project.
For the last 15 years Blondell selects between four and six Irish riders and sends them to Belgium where they stay with local families and contest pro and semi-pro races.
As a race commentator Blondell is well placed to decide who is deserving of inclusion in the project.
Over the first six months of the year he makes decisions while attending early season races.
Those lucky enough to get selected go to live and race in Belgium for the second six months of the year.
Bolger, from Lewis Road, was selected after winning the junior race in the Cycling Ireland National Road Series in Mayo in March and the Orwell Stage Race in County Wicklow in June.
“He is delighted, it is a very big deal,” his father Paul told the Killarney Advertiser.
“He has had a very good year and the wins in Mayo and Wicklow secured the Belgium Project.”
Bolger will head to Belgium in late July and after to the Junior Tour of Ireland which takes place in County Clare between July 12 and 17.