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Former Mountjoy Governor Delivers powerful talk at well-being e

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An evening focusing on inspiration and mental health drew a large audience to the Killarney Avenue Hotel last week.

John Lonergan, the former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, delivered a powerful talk titled “Mental Health and Well-being – Reflections from his Life and Work.”

The event was hosted by Torc Community and Family Resource Centre (CFRC), in partnership with its Social Prescribing Service, which is supported by the HSE. Attendees from across the Killarney area gathered to hear Lonergan’s insights.
Lonergan’s address blended humour, warmth, and deep humanity as he shared key lessons learned throughout his long career in the Irish Prison Service and his ongoing community work. He spoke candidly about the mental health issues faced by inmates, emphasising the necessity of empathy, understanding, and resilience—lessons he noted apply to everyone’s daily life.

"Happiness and contentment aren’t about what we own or achieve — they’re about our relationships, our sense of purpose, and the kindness we show to others,” Lonergan stated, drawing on decades of experience supporting vulnerable people.
The audience praised the evening as both informative and entertaining, highlighting Lonergan’s ability to link real-life stories to broader reflections on personal well-being and social responsibility.

Derek O'Leary, Manager of Torc CFRC, spoke following the event: “We were delighted to host John Lonergan once again for what was a truly memorable evening. His message about empathy, resilience and connection resonates deeply with our work at Torc CFRC and within our Social Prescribing Service, where we support individuals to enhance their well-being and strengthen their sense of community.”

The event is part of Torc CFRC’s continuous commitment to promoting mental health awareness, social inclusion, and community engagement throughout Killarney and the wider region

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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