Methodist church hosts summer fête

The Killarney Methodist church will hold a two-day summer fête on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 to raise funds for the church and the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge.

Located at the junction of Muckross Road and Countess Road, the event will run from 10.00am to 4.00pm on both days.
Stalls will offer household goods, plants, home baking, and clothes, with refreshments available on-site.
Proceeds will be shared between church upkeep and Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge in Tralee, an organisation that provides emergency accommodation, a helpline, and outreach support for women and children escaping domestic abuse.
Methodism has operated in County Kerry since 1790, when missionary Charles Graham began preaching across the region. A Killarney congregation formed in 1796, followed by a preaching house on High Street in 1810.
The present Gothic Revival building on Countess Road was designed by architect George Francis Beckett and opened in 1911. After closing in the 1960s, weekly services resumed in 1998, and an extension was added in 2005 to serve local community groups.
Rev. Alison Gallagher said:
“Methodism actually arrived in County Kerry in 1790 when an Irish-speaking missionary, Charles Graham, began preaching in the region. By 1796, a small congregation formed in Killarney and in 1810, a ‘preaching house’ was opened on High Street. The current stone-faced Gothic Revival church on Countess Road was designed by architect George Francis Beckett and opened in 1911. Though emigration led to dwindling numbers in the mid-20th century with the church closing in the 1960s, the church was revitalized and weekly services restored in 1998.”
Emma O’Mahony of Adapt Kerry welcomed the support, stating that the charity is delighted to partner with the church to fund its countywide support service

Photos and words by: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

There is a saying that a lighthouse never shines for itself. It stands as a beacon for others, offering hope, guidance and light when it is needed most. That sentiment could not describe this year’s Kerry Rose, Caoimhe Lynch, any better.

As she prepares to represent the Kingdom at the Rose of Tralee this August, Caoimhe continues to prove that wearing the sash is about far more than appearances. Through The Light House Project, which she founded in 2024, she is quietly transforming lives, creating opportunities and reminding young people that someone believes in them.
The Light House Project was established with a simple but powerful mission – to spark a light in people. Working with young people from disadvantaged communities, the organisation provides recreational experiences and self-development opportunities that inspire confidence, resilience and hope.
That mission recently brought a group of students from Ballymun to Kerry for a special retreat in Caoimhe’s native Beaufort. Staying with a family friend and supported by the incredible generosity of businesses and volunteers throughout Killarney, the trip offered the girls a chance to step away from everyday challenges and experience the warmth and welcome for which Kerry is renowned.
Their unforgettable few days included lunch at Manna Café, bike hire from O’Sullivan’s Killarney Rent-A-Bike, a wellbeing session with Sinéad Buckley of TeenZone, a restorative lake dip and sauna experience at Loughdale Cottage, dinner at JM Reidy’s courtesy of the Sheehan Group, and an evening enjoying the spectacular Celtic Steps show. Every contribution demonstrated the extraordinary community spirit that makes Kerry so special.
Anna O’Connor, who worked alongside Caoimhe to make the retreat possible, said: “I have known Caoimhe since primary school, and she has always put everyone else first. The work she does through The Light House Project is truly inspiring, and it is incredible to see the difference she makes in the lives of young people. Even while preparing for the Rose of Tralee, she continues to put others first. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to represent Kerry.”
Perhaps the greatest measure of Caoimhe’s impact, however, comes from the young people themselves. One student simply said: “Caoimhe has been my favourite teacher I could ever ask for and she has always been supportive and caring towards me. Caoimhe believed in me during times when nobody else has.”