News
Fossa principal says farewell to school life

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By Michelle Crean
Friday was a final farewell to principal of Fossa National School after nine years inspiring both pupils and staff.
Pat Clifford, who believes in being kind and compassionate to bring out the best in pupils, saw many changes during his time including €1.9m of works at the school which saw construction of new classrooms and an astro turf from Department of Education grants through the hard work of the school's Board of Management, Parents Association, and staff.
Although last Sunday was his official retirement date after the mid-term break - Pat called to the school again today (Friday) where staff and pupils got a chance to wish him all the best for his new future.
He told the Killarney Advertiser that he was passionate about seeing pupils reach the best of their abilities with encouragement by a kind word every now and again.
"I really enjoyed my time there," Pat told the Killarney Advertiser. "I always pencilled in that I'd retire in my mid-50s. I believe that you do as well as you can for as long as you can. On Monday, the school's new principal John Burke began his first day I wish him all the best. Also, the Board of Management have been
very helpful and I deeply appreciate their help over the years."
CAREER
Pat began his teaching career in 1984 after graduating from St Pat's College in Dublin, beginning first in Rush, Co Dublin until he moved to Macroom in 1998 taking up the position as deputy principal until 2002. Then it was onto Spa National School just outside Tralee where he first took up a principal's role before moving to Annascaul National School again as principal. Then it was back home to Fossa where he worked as Principal for the last nine years.
And with retirement comes more time on his hands, but Pat says that he'll get involved with more work related to education.
"I have a few things in the pipeline, I'll do work with different educational institutions. At the moment it's time for sharpening the saw and reflecting."
And on his time as an educator he added that he hopes those he taught and their parents will remember him for his compassionate nature.
"Teachers and principals have an enormous capacity to have a profound effect on children, every interaction you have with a child makes a difference. The legacy I'd like to leave is that the children thought I was kind and caring."
News
New local date for Hozier this summer
With over 22 billion global streams Hozier, whose other shows are completly sold out, has announced a new date in Killarney this summer. Not only will the Grammy-nominated, award-winning multi-platinum […]

With over 22 billion global streams Hozier, whose other shows are completly sold out, has announced a new date in Killarney this summer.
Not only will the Grammy-nominated, award-winning multi-platinum singer and songwriter, perform in Malahide Castle and The Academy, but he has announced a gig at the Gleneagle INEC Arena on June 27.
Driven by the thought-provoking quintuple-platinum anthem, ‘Take Me To Church’, ranked the 30th most listened to song on Spotify, the track is the 103rd song to ever achieve the rare milestone of Diamond certification and the highest certified solo Alternative single in RIAA history.
‘Take Me To Church’ has surpassed 2 billion streams, the only Irish artist to achieve this feat.
Hozier’s success hasn’t been confined to the UK and US with the album also achieving Multi-Platinum status in Belgium, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands.
Major TV appearances have helped spread the gospel including stand-out appearances on Later with Jools, Jimmy Fallon , David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, and Graham Norton. Following a year of sold out shows and festival appearances across the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, VH1 crowned Hozier ‘Artist of the Year’ and he received the honours ‘Top Rock Artist’ and ‘Top Rock Songs’ at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.
In addition, he scored nominations for ‘Song of the Year’ at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards at which he performed alongside Annie Lennox and ‘Favourite Artist – Alternative Rock’ at the American Music Awards.
He won BBC ‘Song of the Year’ and the coveted Ivor Novello award for ‘Song of The Year’.
As Hozier prepares to release his third album ‘Unreal Unearth’ in 2023, his 3-track EP ‘Eat Your Young’ was released on March 17 in honour of his birthday and St. Patrick’s Day.
Tickets for Hozier go on sale this Thursday at 9am.
News
First born Kerry Calf of the year is a girl!
The first born Kerry Calf of 2023 was born at Muckross National Park this week. Both mother and calf are doing very well. The rare and native bred is distinguished […]

The first born Kerry Calf of 2023 was born at Muckross National Park this week.
Both mother and calf are doing very well. The rare and native bred is distinguished by its black colour, grazing outdoors in all seasons and is extremely hardy. The newborn calf can expect a long and peaceful life grazing in the National Park – the half moon close to Torc Waterfall is a popular grazing field.
Kerry cattle are a rare breed of dairy cattle – native to Kerry, descended from the Celtic Shorthorn, brought to Ireland as early as 2000BC. They are considered one of the oldest breeds in Europe, known for their milk quality and gentle nature.
Killarney National Park recognises the importance of conserving the historic Muckross herd. Former owners of Muckross Estate, Arthur Rose Vincent, were passionate about the Kerry Calf. Today, the rare bred are cared and managed by Chief Herdsman, Mike Fleming, particularity for preservation and agricultural heritage.
Another prolific breed is the ‘Cahernane Kerry’ owned and bred by dairy farmer, Ms Hilliard of Cahernane, Killarney. Ms Hilliard is one of the strongest advocators in the preservation and conservation of the bred. She is life-long secretary of the Kerry Cattle Society.
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