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Funding deal secures future of Kerry Airport

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The long-term future of Kerry Airport has been secured following the Government’s announcement of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030.

The move provides a guaranteed framework of support for the Farranfore hub for the next five years, offering much-needed stability for the region’s primary aviation link.

Under the new plan, nearly €45 million in capital investment will be made available across the regional airport sector over the five-year period.

For 2026 alone, the Government has earmarked over €19 million, which includes €9 million specifically for capital projects alongside annual operational funding.

This financial backing is designed to ensure regional airports can meet strict international safety and security regulations while also investing in new infrastructure.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Deputy Michael Cahill, welcomed the announcement, noting that the renewal of the programme provides the certainty required for the airport to plan for the future.

"The continuation of this programme is critically important for Kerry’s connectivity, tourism sector, and broader economic development," Deputy Cahill said. "Kerry Airport plays a pivotal role in linking our county to Dublin and international destinations, supporting jobs and investment across the Kingdom."

The 2026–2030 programme has also been broadened to include airports handling up to three million passengers, meaning Kerry will continue to receive support alongside Shannon, Donegal, and Ireland West Airport Knock.

Beyond daily operations, the funding is specifically targeted toward climate resilience and carbon reduction measures, helping the airport align with national climate action commitments.

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Céilí Mór will send ‘em home sweatin’

It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this […]

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It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney.

It will take place on the eve of the big feast day in the Killarney Great Southern and there will be a wonderful party atmosphere guaranteed on the night.
Providing the tunes will be the very highly regarded Uí Bhriaín Céilí Band and they promise to send everybody home sweating after what will be a memorable night for locals and visitors.
The March 16 céilí will commence at 9.00pm and continue right through until midnight and the admission for a wonderful night of pure Irish trad is just €10.00.
Bookings can be made on the festival website or patrons can pay at the door on the night.

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St Brendan’s student Aodhagan O’Sullivan crowned CPR champion

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Aodhagan O’Sullivan, a student at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, has been named the 2026 School CPR Challenge Champion.

The prestigious award was presented on Thursday, 26 February, during a large-scale event at the Gleneagle Hotel, where approximately 300 students from post-primary schools across the county gathered to compete for the title of “who can compress the best.”


Now in its fourth year, the event is organised by the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) Community First Responders.

The KCRU is a volunteer-led group that provides vital emergency response services to Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Firies, Rathmore, and Kenmare.

The challenge focused on “Quality CPR” (QCPR), combining a high-stakes competition with practical life-saving training and the chance for students to engage directly with local emergency and community services.


The competition utilised advanced QCPR technology to measure the depth and rate of compressions, ensuring that students aren’t just learning the motions, but are performing life-saving techniques to a clinical standard.

Beyond the competitive element, the day served as an educational hub, highlighting the “chain of survival” and the importance of immediate bystander intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest.


The 2026 challenge was made possible through the support of the Vodafone Foundation, The Gleneagle Hotel, and First Aid Systems Ltd, alongside a variety of local sponsors. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the 300 participants, noting that such events are essential for building a “heart-safe” community and equipping the next generation with the skills to save a life.

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