News
Four-day national orienteering championships hailed a success
by Sean Moriarty
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ALL AGE GROUPS: A young competitor in the ancient woodlands of Killarney Demesne Killarney National Park.
AWAKE: A competitor passes by the site of Cloch Mochuda where Bro. Mochuda of Innisfallen Island fell asleep for 200 years.
MAP CHECK: A competitor in the ancient woodlands of Killarney Demesne during the Irish Orienteering Championships last weekend.
MAPS: Over 500 people took part in the four-day event.
NAVIGATION: Ivan Vasilkov finds his way through Killarney National Park during the Irish Orienteering Championships last weekend.
PARK RUN: Michael O'Brien in action during the Irish Orienteering Championships.
RUNNING FREE: Aine Rickard was one of 500 athletes competing in the event organised by Kerry Orienteering Club.
RUNNING: Patrick Ryan was among the 500 athletes who competed in the championships organised by Kerry Orienteering Club.
SEARCHING: A competitor deep in the woods of Killarney National Park during the Irish Orienteering Championships.
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ALL AGE GROUPS: A young competitor in the ancient woodlands of Killarney Demesne Killarney National Park.
AWAKE: A competitor passes by the site of Cloch Mochuda where Bro. Mochuda of Innisfallen Island fell asleep for 200 years.
MAP CHECK: A competitor in the ancient woodlands of Killarney Demesne during the Irish Orienteering Championships last weekend.
MAPS: Over 500 people took part in the four-day event.
NAVIGATION: Ivan Vasilkov finds his way through Killarney National Park during the Irish Orienteering Championships last weekend.
PARK RUN: Michael O'Brien in action during the Irish Orienteering Championships.
RUNNING FREE: Aine Rickard was one of 500 athletes competing in the event organised by Kerry Orienteering Club.
RUNNING: Patrick Ryan was among the 500 athletes who competed in the championships organised by Kerry Orienteering Club.
SEARCHING: A competitor deep in the woods of Killarney National Park during the Irish Orienteering Championships.
Photos: Valerie O’Sullivan
Organisers of the Irish Orienteering Championships which took place last weekend have praised Killarney which hosted the four-day event.
Over 500 athletes competed in the championships which were organised by Orienteering Ireland and facilitated by Kerry Orienteering Club. The event started with a sprint race in Muckross House Estate on Friday. Saturday’s action took place near Cappanalea on the shores of Caragh Lake. Sunday the competitors visited Crohane Lake near Kilgarvan for their classic event. The action concluded on Monday with a relay race on the grounds of Knockreer House. Registration and prizegiving took place at the ANAM Arts Centre on East Avenue and the same venue hosted Orienteering Ireland’s AGM on Saturday. Following the events the organisers contacted Mayor Marie Moloney to praise the facilities on offer in Killarney. “The AGM was followed by an Irish music session and a demonstration of Irish dancing which was held both within the centre and outside,” Mayor Moloney said. “On Sunday, Dr. Una May, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Ireland, addressed the association. “Since this event, the organisers have contacted Killarney Municipal District to express their delight with how this event went and to compliment the functionality of the ANAM Centre.”
Exploring the National Park after dark
Killarney Parish marked the annual Season of Creation by teaming up with the Killarney National Park Education Centre for an after-dark nature event in the park.
Led by newly appointed Parish Administrator Fr Pat O’Donnell, the local community group took part in a Nocturnal Nature Ramble organised in conjunction with European Youth in Parks Day and its ‘Parks in the Dark’ initiative.
Education Centre staff Chris Barron and Tara Buckley guided participants through the park to observe wildlife that becomes active after dusk.
Using bat detectors and night-vision binoculars, the group tracked local nocturnal species and learned about the nighttime ecosystem within the park grounds.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.
Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.
Exploring the National Park after dark
Exploring the National Park after dark Killarney Parish marked the annual Season of Creation by teaming up with the Killarney...
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke...
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