Connect with us

News

Inch flies the flag high for Kerry’s 14 Blue Flag beaches

Published

9 years ago

on

[

[et_pb_section admin_label="section"]
[et_pb_row admin_label="row"]
[et_pb_column type="4_4"]
[et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]
INCH BEACH provided the picture-perfect backdrop today as Kerry County Council raised one of the county’s 14 Blue Flags for the 2017 season. Kerry beaches have again maintained their excellent standard this year with the awarding of 14 Blue Flags for 2017 by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, as announced in recent weeks.

Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with a very specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management. Beaches must also comply with EU bathing water directives to secure the honour.

The following Kerry beaches retain their flags for 2017: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherbeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ventry and Inch. Fenit Marina also retains it Blue Flag this year. Green Coast awards have also been announced for Beal Bán, Castlegregory, Littor, Waterville and Ballinskelligs.

Attending the raising of the new Blue Flag at Inch today were the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael O’Shea; councillors from the South and West Kerry Municipal District; the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell; and Director of Services for Environment, John Breen.

Cathaoirleach O’Shea said: ‘Blue Flags are an important indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a very high standard in this regard. These flags are a result of a collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters,’ he said.
Director of Services, John Breen said that Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in keeping County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag league and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast.

“As we enter yet another busy season at our beaches, Kerry County Council appeals to all beach users to ensure they leave no litter on the beaches of Kerry and to avoid any damage to our wonderful coastal areas so that the county can maintain and improve on its Blue Flag complement,” said Mr Breen.

“Our coastal and beach environments are one of the biggest attractions for locals and tourists alike and we all have a role to play in ensuring that the high standards we have achieved in recent years are maintained.”
 

 
Above: Pupils from Castledrum National School helped raise the Blue Flag on Inch Strand. Raising the Blue Flag were Gavin Sheehan, Eden Murphy, Carla Evan, Tirna Murphy, Kielan Foley, Dylan Ladden, Jamie Ladden, Sophie O’Connor. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
[/et_pb_text]
[/et_pb_column]
[/et_pb_row]
[/et_pb_section]

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Flesk Valley Rowing Club tackles Ocean to City race

Published

51 minutes ago

on

6 June 2026

By


Flesk Valley Rowing Club sent a well-seasoned crew across the county bounds last weekend to compete in the Ocean to City race (An Rás Mór).


The crew, consisting of Peter O’Sullivan, Colm O’Súillebháin, Karol Kelly, and Donal Kelly, was piloted by Carrigaline native Paul Burke. Burke used his local knowledge to navigate the shortest course possible from Crosshaven to Cobh, through Monkstown and Lough Mahon, all the way to the finish line in Cork city.
The crew prepared for the event with marathon training sessions on Lough Lein over the past few weeks, aided by coxes Orlaith O’Sullivan, Caoimhe Kelly, Aodhagán O’Sullivan, and Noel Prendergast.
Club organisers extended thanks to Colm O’Súillebháin for organising the trip, Karol Kelly for towing the boat, Breda Burke for logistical support, and the travelling supporters. Thanks were also expressed to Fossa Rowing Club for the use of their trailer over the weekend.


Flesk Valley Rowing Club Ocean to City 2026: Pictured left to right are Peter O’Sullivan, Donal Kelly, Karol Kelly, Paul Burke, and Colm O’Súillebháin.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October

Published

8 hours ago

on

6 June 2026

By

The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society confirmed that the 12th annual award ceremony will take place in Killarney during the final weekend of October 2026.

The prestigious award programme was suspended due to resource constraints after the 2019 presentation to Ireland’s UN Peacekeepers, with its resumption further delayed by the pandemic.

“This has been made possible through the generous support of the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and other sponsors,” Society Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said.

The memorial society will shortly issue an official call for nominations for the 2026 recipient. Over the years, the accolade has honoured a wide range of humanitarian work, with previous recipients including GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Trócaire’s Sally O’Neill, the late Donal Walsh, and emergency rescue groups including the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, and Kerry Mountain Rescue.

Full details on the nomination procedures and closing dates can be obtained directly from the society by emailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com.

Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October

The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society confirmed that the 12th annual award ceremony will take place in Killarney during the final weekend of October 2026.

The prestigious award programme was suspended due to resource constraints after the 2019 presentation to Ireland’s UN Peacekeepers, with its resumption further delayed by the pandemic.

“This has been made possible through the generous support of the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and other sponsors,” Society Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said.

IRISH UN VETERANS HONOURED IN KILLARNEY – JUNE 4th 2019 Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe pictured after accepting the Mons Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are Mayor of Killarney Niall Kelleher, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O’Mahony, Hugh O’Flaherty, Pearl Dineen, Jerry O’Grady and invited guests. Photo: Don MacMonagle Press release: Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey. Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support” Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”. The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”. The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed. The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board. Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers. Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty. Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com

The memorial society will shortly issue an official call for nominations for the 2026 recipient. Over the years, the accolade has honoured a wide range of humanitarian work, with previous recipients including GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Trócaire’s Sally O’Neill, the late Donal Walsh, and emergency rescue groups including the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, and Kerry Mountain Rescue.

Full details on the nomination procedures and closing dates can be obtained directly from the society by emailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com.

IRISH UN VETERANS HONOURED IN KILLARNEY – JUNE 4th 2019 Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe accepts the Mons Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces from retired Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty, (grandson of the monsignor) in Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are from left,, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O’Mahony. Photo: Don MacMonagle Press Release: Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey. Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support” Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”. The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”. The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed. The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board. Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers. Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty. Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

News51 minutes ago

Flesk Valley Rowing Club tackles Ocean to City race

Flesk Valley Rowing Club sent a well-seasoned crew across the county bounds last weekend to compete in the Ocean to...
News8 hours ago

Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October

The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence. The Hugh O’Flaherty...
News13 hours ago

Three generations of O’Connor family complete Killarney parkrun

Three generations of O’Connor family complete Killarney parkrun Three generations of the O’Connor family completed the 5km course together at...
News20 hours ago

Spa GAA leads the way with new on-site EV charging stations

Spa GAA has finalised a deal with Cork-based renewable firm ePower to install two electric vehicle (EV) charging points at its club...
News21 hours ago

Ukrainian Olympian joins parkrun for annual Chestnut Run

Ukrainian Olympian joins parkrun for annual Chestnut Run It is not every day an Olympian joins the Killarney parkrun, but...

Sport

News4 months ago

Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals

The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
News4 months ago

On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview

Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
News4 months ago

LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy. 

  He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
News7 months ago

Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic

Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
News7 months ago

Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan

After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...