Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra

Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.

Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and

Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures

Concerns have been raised following the revelation that the main visitor centre for Killarney National Park is closed two days every week during the peak summer tourism season.

Following a multi-million euro refurbishment, Killarney House officially opened as the national park’s visitor centre in July 2017.
The property was originally bequeathed to the State in 1998 following the death of Mary McShain, wife of US businessman John McShain.
Diarmaid Griffin, a local boat driver, guide, and a member of the Kerry Green Party, highlighted the issue after learning that the visitor centre had reduced its schedule from seven days a week to five. The facility is currently closed to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We are coming into the peak season of tourism in Killarney, with visitors from around the world coming to experience the lakes, mountains, and forests,” Mr Griffin said. “Surely, the visitors that arrive to our town on Tuesday or Wednesday deserve to learn about the history, geography, and ecology of Killarney National Park also. I would like the beautiful building to be open to the public seven days a week during the summer months.”
Mr Griffin confirmed that he has contacted Christopoher O’Sullivan, the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to question the decision. He added that his email has been noted, but he is still awaiting a formal response.
The Killarney Advertiser contacted the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for comment on the operational reasons behind the weekly closures, but no reply was received before going to press on Thursday afternoon.