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Hot Press accolade for talented singer-songwriter

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By Michelle Crean

Reading through old copies of Hot Press Magazine in school - singer-songwriter Donal Lucey could only imagine back then that he'd one day make their pages.

His dream came to fruition last week when the young popular musician from Muckross Road was named in the '#hotfor2022 list!' in the iconic magazine.

Donal, son of Danny and Joan Lucey in Muckross, is currently writing and recording an EP which he hopes to release this summer. The third year student in MTU Cork School of Music has dreams to hit the big time but for now is concentrating on getting back gigging now that places are opening up.

He explained that the last two years have been tough with no live gigs to help him master his craft but is now, after releasing 'Another Love Song' in 2019 and 'Politics of the Heart' in 2021, he's looking forward to the future.

His musical frame of reference is diverse: he has been heavily influenced by modern singer-songwriters like Ed Sheeran and Dermot Kennedy; by hip-hop artists Eminem and Jay-Z; and by indie rockers like Bon Iver and The Lumineers.

Donal, who turned 21 on Wednesday, was featured as 'A New Local Hero' which was part of a feature of Irish Music Month a programming initiative for the month of October, which saw Hot Press join forces with 25 radio stations.

"I was on the train home from college when I heard I'd made the list," Donal told the Killarney Advertiser.
"I waited until I got home and kept it a surprise for my family. They were delighted."

English class in The Sem inspired him to one day make the iconic magazine's pages.

"The back of Seamus Grealy's English class in The Sem there were lots of old Hot Press magazines. There would be big names on it such as U2. I always dreamed that one day it'd be me."

For now he's happy to be listed as one to watch but is dreaming of gracing the front cover one day.

"I have another year in college and I've met so many who are like minded and are helping me with my EP. Things are working out. I'm hoping as things open up I can push on with it. Hopefully when I finish college I can play abroad or big venues. I've supported my brother [Tom Lucey] in the INEC but to play my own gig there would be huge. Any gig at all is huge for me. The whole Hot Press thing is a stepping stone and also a bit of hard work has to go behind it."

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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