Killarney Celtic FC has taken a major step toward its historic debut in the new FAI National League by officially appointing its senior management team.

Brian Spillane has been named as team manager for the upcoming campaign, which kicks off later this year.

He will be joined by Tim Jones, who takes up the role of assistant manager alongside his current duties as the club’s facilities development manager.

The appointments bring the town a step closer to hosting national-tier senior football.

Killarney Celtic is one of just 15 clubs selected nationwide by the Football Association of Ireland to compete in the newly formed division.

Designed as the highest tier of grassroots football, the competition creates a brand-new, direct pathway between local amateur structures and the League of Ireland for the very first time.

The local club earns its place on the national stage following a long period of dominance in the Kerry District League, where they recently secured their seventh consecutive Premier A title.

The inaugural National League season will feature a shortened schedule this coming autumn before implementing full promotion and relegation from the 2027 season onward.

Kerry County Council is currently developing proposals to improve the layout and operation of the school set-down area at Lissivigeen National School.

The update was provided at this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting following a motion from Councillor Niall Kelleher.

Cllr Kelleher requested a concrete set of proposals and a delivery timeline to permanently resolve the traffic, parking, and road safety issues at the school, following a direct deputation from school representatives in May.

In its official reply, the Council stated that it will engage with stakeholders as the design progresses.

However, the local authority noted that significant improvements to the area in front of the school will require alterations to the national road.

To progress this, Kerry County Council has brought the issues raised by the school to the attention of the Safety Section of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The move follows an urgent appeal in May by School Principal Ellen Cagney and Parents’ Association Chairperson Michelle Barrett.

They told councillors that the current setup on the busy N22 is chaotic and a serious accident risk for the 271 pupils and their families.

The school has been seeking a lower speed limit during drop-off and pick-up hours, digital warning signs, improved road markings, and an upgraded set-down area to stop parents from having to park on the grassy verges of the primary route.


Children navigating fast-moving traffic at Lissivigeen National School, a growing school with outdated access, where safety can’t wait. Photo: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan