News
Fossa’s new furry friend is helping pupils

By Michelle Crean
The latest addition to join school life in Fossa NS is a new furry friend which is having a positive influence on childrens' lives.
Zazu, a shepadoodle, is now 17-weeks-old and the therapy dog was introduced to the school this term by teacher Bríd Kissane.
And what a calming influence she's had so far, according to Bríd, who signed up to the My Canine Companion during the summer after advocate Deirdre Horgan paid a visit to the school looking for families for the charity's socialisation programme.
"Deirdre did visits to all the schools in Killarney before the summer," Bríd told the Killarney Advertiser.
"She was looking for families to do socialisation programmes and initially I thought I was doing it for four to five weeks. Then the opportunity came to bring her in to the school during the July Provision programme. It went really well and we got the green light just before we came back."
Zazu is a mix of a sheepdog and a poodle. Deirdre's dog Fifi is her mother and in May she had 10 puppies all named with the letter 'z'. Three of the litter are based in schools with Zoro in CBS in Tralee and Zumer in St Bridget's Killarney.
The dogs not only provide comfort and support to pupils with Autism but to all in the school.
"In the short space of time we've had her we've seen massive benefits. She's there in the morning to greet the children and it promotes a positive environment just by having her in the school. It's fabulous to watch the children have different conversations with her and it's lovely to watch the relationship unfold. It aids communication skills and it's a non-judgemental conversation."
She said Zazu also helps pupils who may be feeling nervous and helps teach responsibility as they learn to care for her.
During the daytime as pupils participate in class Zazu is beside them watching on or having a snooze. She attends training in Cork once a month and when she's a year and a half will have to go there for four months intensive training to be fully qualified.
"She loves kids. She gets so excited when she sees and hears their voices. We've explained the rules that she's a working dog when she has her green jacket on."
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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