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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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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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