News
Flag raising marks new dawn for Kerry education
Flags raised simultaneously across six campuses in the South West on Monday marked a new era for higher education.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Minister Simon Harris TD, and Minister Norma Foley TD, presided over the inaugural raising of the Munster Technological University (MTU).
MTU has a student enrolment of more than 18,000 across six campuses and offers more than 140 programmes of study.
“The first raising of the Munster Technological University (MTU) flag, on its six campuses across the South West, represents a new dawn for higher education in the country,” Professor Maggie Cusack, President of MTU, said.
SUCCESS
According to Professor Cusack, the establishment of MTU has been an unqualified success. She said that demand from CAO applicants has surged, with first-preference honours degree applications for MTU courses rising by more than 16%, almost twice the national average, while first-preference degree application levels increased by almost 4%, a very positive outcome in a hugely important programme category. In addition, she said that the KTI Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2020 indicated that total research expenditure in MTU exceeded €22m, the highest total achieved across Ireland’s Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology.
“The formation of the MTU is a very positive step for the joint communities of Cork and Kerry and is a huge boost for education within the South West region," Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD, said. "I would like to wish Professor Maggie Cusack and all the staff and students at MTU the very best as they continue this tradition in providing excellence in education for communities across the country.”
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
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