Adrian Neilan, the newly appointed CEO of Kerry Airport, will attend the Routes Europe Conference in Rimini, Italy next week.

The event, running from May 18 to 20, provides an opportunity to meet with prospective carriers to develop new routes for the airport.

Now in his first full week in the role, Mr. Neilan has already begun meetings with staff, management, and directors at the Farranfore site. On his second day, he was met at the new Arrivals Hall by directors Kathleen O’Regan-Sheppard, Matt Horgan, and Company Secretary John O’Sullivan.

Ms. O’Regan-Sheppard welcomed the new CEO and highlighted the airport’s recent success, following a record-breaking year in 2025 where over 440,000 passengers used the facility.

She credited the smooth operation of the airport to CFO Basil Sheerin, COO Howard Jones, Security Manager Tom O’Driscoll, and the wider staff.

The Routes Europe event brings together decision-makers from airlines and airports across the continent.

Mr. Neilan’s attendance signals a priority for the board to build on last year’s growth by securing further European connectivity for the region.

Double celebration as Black Sheep Hostel marks 10 years in business

A popular Killarney hostel is celebrating a double milestone this week as it marks a decade in business alongside the sixth anniversary of its adjoining coffee shop.

Kevin Leahy, proprietor of the Black Sheep Hostel on New Street, opened the doors of the 19th-century townhouse on May 16, 2016.

Since then, the eco-friendly business has become a staple of the local tourism offering, winning several awards for its commitment to sustainability.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, and the 6th birthday of the Coffee Shack, Kevin is bringing back his famous cinnamon buns for a limited time this Saturday.

The buns will be available at the Coffee Shack from 8 am on Saturday morning until they are sold out.

Given their reputation, customers are advised to arrive early to ensure they don’t miss out.

Beyond his work as a business owner, Kevin Leahy is a well-known community activist and accomplished ultra-marathon athlete.

He was a founding member of the initiative to make Killarney an officially recognised autism-friendly town and is also one of the organisers behind the Re-Wild Festival, which focuses on music and sustainability.

His athletic achievements are equally notable too.

Kevin secured a historic victory in the inaugural 472km Montane Arctic Spine Race in Sweden in 2023.

He also made headlines in 2020 by winning the 100-mile Montane Yukon Ultra and finishing second in the 500km Lapland Arctic Ultra in 2022,

The adventure races resulted in the documentary ‘1000kms of chaos’.

Filmed over two years by local videographer Adrian McCarthy, the movie has been featured at the Kerry International Film Festival.