News
End of an era as Moriarty’s Centra changes hands
By Sean Moriarty
Today marks the end of an era of one very popular Farranfore business.
Moriarty's Centra has changed hands and proprietors Mike and Margaret Moriarty are looking forward to retirement.
First opened in 1999, the landmark shop has grown to become a central part of the community.
There was always at least one member of the popular couple on hand to greet regulars and newcomers that walked into the shop.
And it was always a warm welcome, punctuated by a joke or some easy-going banter because both Mike and Margaret had an incredible knack for making everyone feel welcome.
Their tenure at the shop, at the crossroads of Kerry, started on December 4, 1999.
Just five short days before their 23rd anniversary, their time has come to an end.
Last night (Monday) they completed the final preparations ahead of the arrival of the new owner this morning.
"I don't know what it feels like," said an emotional Margaret. "I want to thank our loyal staff, many of who have been with us for years and years and all the wonderful customers we have met. 23 years is a long time, some customers first came to us in prams and now they are pushing their own prams through the door."
Moriarty's Centra grew to become a central icon in the village of Farranfore. They supported several community activities, and Margaret's love of athletics ensured that Farranfore-Maine Valley AC was also looked after. Mike's love of motorsport meant their shop sponsored the county rally championship and their dual love of the GAA meant Firies GAA could always rely on support.
Margaret was, and is fiercely proud, of the village and often volunteered to litter pick Farranfore's streets and sideroads.
That kind of local loyalty paid dividends and customers from all walks of life and sporting backgrounds rarely passed the door without calling in for a chat and to catch up on local news.
Sam Maguire, Liam McCarthy and the Rose of Tralee were regular visitors over the years.
The business has grown from humble beginnings back in December 1999.
Mike was so determined that his new shop would open in time for Christmas shopping that he was stocking shelves while the builders were still putting the finishing touches to the building.
A memorable story from this era comes from a local who, while passing the passing the construction site in late November, asked if Moriarty's would be open for Easter.
It was opened a few days later and the Moriarty family has not looked back since.
But the time is right for them to retire to allow them to spend more time with their daughters and sons-in-law and grandchildren.
They have witnessed multiple changes in the locality, the ever-expanding airport and the relatively new Farranfore Business Park are just two examples, but the shop remained a constant throughout that period of time.
"The time is right," said Mike. "I will miss it, I will miss the people, but I won't be too far away as I will keep the car sales going across the road."
Last night Margaret and Mike locked the door of the shop that bears their name for the final time.
This morning new owner Peter Keane of Keane's SuperValu in Killorglin turned that same key to begin a new era in one of the most famous shops in the county.
News
Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections. The previous record […]
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.
Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.
The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.
Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.
Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.
She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.
“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”
In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.
In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.
last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History – Irish Life and Lore’.
During the broadcast she talked about her parents’ membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.
This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.
News
Philip is running over 100kms for Cancer charity
Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday. Phillip has already […]
Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.
Phillip has already completed four half marathons at various locations around Killarney – all in aid of Kerry Cancer Support Group – or the Cancer Bus as it popularly called.
This is the second time that Phillip has run four half marathon and an official race for the charity.
Back in 2021 he finished with 5km Run Killarney event but his finishing race this time around is over eight times the distance at 42kms.
“We are delighted with Philip’s continued fundraising support but also with his awareness raising for the charity,” Breda Dyland, Service Manager Kerry Cancer Support Trust.
“We are getting busier all the time and still get no statutory funding so are dependent on fundraisers like Philip’s to keep us on the road. We have just put our new wheelchair accessible bus on the Cork route so Philip’s funding will be going towards the operation of this vehicle.”
Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109...
Philip is running over 100kms for Cancer charity
Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up...
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