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Five-mile road race returns with Paralympian Maddie Wilson Walker as ambassador

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Killarney Valley Athletic Club (KVAC) has officially announced the return of the Streets of Killarney 5-Mile Road Race, which is set to take place on Good Friday, April 3

Now entering its third year following a highly successful debut in 2024, the race has established itself as a premier event on the local sporting calendar.

The fast and flat five-mile course offers participants a unique route that winds through the heart of Killarney town and the scenic surroundings of the National Park.

In a significant move for this year’s event, Canadian Paralympian and Killarney resident Maddie Wilson Walker has been named the official race ambassador.

Maddie, who lives and trains locally with KVAC, is a world-class athlete and double amputee who lost both legs below the knee to meningitis at age three.

Her involvement highlights the importance of disability representation in sport and serves as a powerful inspiration to runners of all abilities.

Maddie expressed her pride in the role, noting that she hopes to show others that anything can be achieved regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Registration for the event is now open via Eventmaster, and organisers have confirmed that over half of the available tickets have already been sold.

Jeremiah Griffin, Chairperson of Killarney Valley AC, noted that the event continues to grow annually, attracting participants from across the globe.

He emphasised that the support from local sponsors is crucial for the sustainability of the club's track facility and the ongoing development of athletics for both young and old within the community.

The event is made possible through the support of a dedicated group of local businesses including Gold sponsor Reen’s Life Pharmacy; Silver sponsors Activate Gym; Daly’s Supervalu; Fexco; Gallivan’s Property Partners; Killarney Credit Union; Luna Coffee + Wine; Polly’s; and Tricel.

Pick up a copy of next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full interview with Maddie Wilson Walker.

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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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