Killarney gathered on Monday night to give a homecoming welcome to the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club athletes following their successful performance at the Special Olympics Ireland Games in Dublin.

The games, which took place from June 18 to June 21, saw local athletes secure six gold medals alongside multiple silver and bronze finishes.

The club highlighted the hard work, dedication, and team spirit shown by the competitors week after week.

Alongside the competing athletes, club members Pat, Jane, Cliona, and Siobhan travelled to Dublin to provide support, while Denise, Liam, and Cathleen served as official athletics volunteers at the national event.

The club expressed gratitude to all coaches, volunteers, and members whose regular commitment of time enables local athletes to compete at the highest level.

The homecoming celebrations in Killarney were supported by the Gardaí, Radio Kerry, and Minister Norma Foley, with the staff at the Plaza Hotel hosting the post-games victory celebrations.

The club also extended thanks to the individuals and groups who supported their recent fundraising journey.

This included Elma and the staff at the Credit Union for hosting a coffee morning, Nessa from the Kilcummin GAA Hall, John in the bar, and Annmarie for her assistance with the table quiz.

Further appreciation was sent to Madeline and the Killarney St Patrick’s Day Dunk Tank Committee and participants, the Abblefest Committee for showcasing the athletes by opening their festival, and the Opel Vauxhall Manta Fest.

Kerry Stars Competition Results

Caoimhe Brosnan (Kilcummin): Gold in 25m freestyle swim, Silver in 25m backstroke swim, Bronze in 25m relay.
Sophie Twiss (Milltown): Gold in 25m relay, Silver in 25m freestyle, Silver in 25m backstroke.
Luke Scollard (Scartaglen): Gold in 25m shot putt, Gold in relay race, Silver in 200m run.
Joe Buckley (Faha): Gold in 100m run, 4th place ribbon in mini javelin, 4th place ribbon in relay race.

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has introduced a new four-course Afternoon Tea experience designed to move away from conventional tiered presentation plates.

Developed by Executive Head Chef Cyrille Durand and Head Pastry Chef Eric Besson, the menu combines classical French training with over 20 years of experience in Ireland to showcase local provenance and refined pâtisserie craftsmanship.

The experience is served against the backdrop of the hotel’s panoramic views of Lough Leane, local woodlands, and the surrounding mountains.

The meal unfolds across four distinct courses to allow guests to sample each element individually.

The first course consists of savoury bites, featuring Kerry chorizo with St Tola goat curd, crab mini blinis, and black truffle egg mayonnaise.

This is followed by a palate-cleansing second course of house-made Irish rhubarb and honey soda, produced using honey from the hotel’s own beehives.

Tradition is maintained in the third course, which delivers homemade fruit scones with seasonal preserves, alongside crispy raspberry madeleines and ube financiers.

The final course offers an assortment of desserts, including a Sliabh Luachra strawberry tartlet, calamansi Paris Brest, carrot-orange-bergamot cake, and a chocolate mon chéri.

Each course is paired with a choice of herbal and loose-leaf teas or speciality Bewley’s coffee. Diners can also upgrade the experience with Champagne Gremillet, Tuffeau Vouvray sparkling wine, or a signature Aghadoe Bellini.

The experience runs from Friday to Sunday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, priced at €55 per person. Bookings can be made directly via the hotel website at www.aghadoeheights.com/dining.