News
Creative carvings are a new woodland attraction
P
Pictured were: Eileen O'Donoghue (Killarney Municipal District Officer) and Cllr John Sheahan (Mayor of Killarney), with Kathleen Foley, Philip Hanafin and Yvonne Quill (Killarney Looking Good/Killarney Tidy Towns Chairperson), with one of the seven wooden carvings located between Deenagh Cottage and the playground on the Fossa Way in Killarney National Park. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
By Michelle Crean
If you go down to the woods today – you’ll definitely get a surprise – as some very lifelike animal carvings have been unveiled in Killarney.
Seven wooden carvings, including a heron, kingfisher, otter, Greenland white-fronted goose, red squirrel, pine marten and an owl, were installed on the Fossa Way between Deenagh Cottage and the playground.
The wildlife were carved by Sol Solomon of Wyrdwood in West Cork and it’s the latest Tidy Towns project for 2019 to highlight the wildlife that surrounds us in the National Park, Eileen O'Donoghue, Killarney Municipal District Officer explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week.
“Some of this wildlife such as an owl, red squirrel and a heron can be seen at times within easy reach of the carvings,” Eileen said. “The Tidy Towns committee are hoping to raise awareness with parents and children to watch out for and pay attention to the wildlife we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. The Tidy Towns committee wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund and in installing the sculptures. This vital source of funding allows us to complete such worthwhile initiatives.”
The committee are currently looking at developing a storyboard which they plan to erect at the start of the trail, with information to do with the area included, she added.
“We would be very grateful for any information from members of the public to do with this location, around the Deenagh and Port Road that might be of interest to locals and visitors.”
The committee will be shortly launching their new three year plan and are always looking for volunteers to design and implement projects such as the above.
If you have an idea for any such project contact killarneylookinggood@gmail.com.
Gneeveguilla apprentice wins national stonemasonry title
Darragh O’Sullivan from Gneeveguilla won the overall prize in the Architectural Stonemasonry category at the WorldSkills Ireland competition held recently at the RDS in Dublin.
An apprentice stonecutter and stonemason with the Office of Public Works (OPW) based in Mallow, O’Sullivan secured gold for his technical accuracy and craftsmanship during the three-day event.
The state agency relies on traditional trade skills to manage, conserve, and restore national monuments, public buildings, and heritage sites across the country.
O’Sullivan’s success reflects the training provided by his OPW mentors and team, highlighting the importance of apprentice development in preserving traditional heritage crafts for future generations.
Picture Caption: CRAFT CHAMPION: Tom Little (Kerry ETB), Terri Sweeney Meade (OPW), category winner Darragh O’Sullivan (OPW), and Donal Keys (WorldSkills Ireland) at the RDS in Dublin.
Jessica Cronin donates hair for children’s charity
Ten-year-old Killarney resident Jessica Cronin is set to cut and donate 12 inches of her hair to support young cancer patients, alongside a fundraising campaign for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
The hair donation will go directly to the Little Princess Trust, a charity providing real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their own hair through medical treatment.
Alongside her hair donation, Jessica is collecting financial contributions for LauraLynn through the Locks of Love campaign.
“I want to help somebody that doesn’t have something that I have, hair,” Jessica said.
Her family expressed their pride in her decision to support both organisations.
“We are all so proud of her,” her mother, Grace O’Shea-Cronin, said. “Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.”
Donations to support Jessica’s fundraiser can be made online at
Gneeveguilla apprentice wins national stonemasonry title
Gneeveguilla apprentice wins national stonemasonry title Darragh O’Sullivan from Gneeveguilla won the overall prize in the Architectural Stonemasonry category at...
Jessica Cronin donates hair for children’s charity
Jessica Cronin donates hair for children’s charity Ten-year-old Killarney resident Jessica Cronin is set to cut and donate 12 inches...
Liebherr apprentice reaches WorldSkills welding final
Killarney apprentice John Stack has reached the final six in the national welding competition at WorldSkills Ireland 2026. A fourth-year...
Kayne’s Bar & Brasserie launches autumn supper menu
Kayne’s Bar & Brasserie launches autumn supper menu Kayne’s Bar & Brasserie at the Dromhall Hotel on Muckross Road has...
Killarney Racecourse named new Team Hope checking centre
Killarney Racecourse named new Team Hope checking centre Killarney Racecourse will serve as the new local checking centre for the...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
