News
It all started with a love of hospitality!
By Michelle Crean
As the saying goes, "marry your best friend" - and that's just what one local couple plan to do as they got engaged this week.
Well known restaurateur Denis Murphy surprised The Brehon Hotel's General Manager Sinead McCarthy with a ring when he got down on one knee - leaving her completely speechless.
Denis, who runs Murphy Brownes on High Street with friend and business partner Deirdre Browne, was on a staycation with Sinead when he made the surprise proposal.
But it's been a long time coming for the best friends who have known each other since their college days.
Both met studying hospitality in CIT in 2002 as they were on the same course.
Then Denis took a summer position in the then newly opened Brehon Hotel while Sinead worked in The Plaza, and while here they shared a house in Woodlawn Road as friends.
Then it was back to college for another while and the friends parted ways, Sinead working in various hotels around the country over the next few years, and Denis on cruise ships.
"When I'd come back home on holidays we'd always make a point of catching up," Denis told the Killarney Advertiser.
Then it came full circle as seven years ago Sinead moved back to Killarney as Bar Manager in The Brehon and a year later Denis took up the role of Manager in The Grand.
Once again the friends shared a house, this time in Bridgefield where they still live today, but after two years they realised they were more than just friends.
"I proposed in Druid's Glen, I even had the bottle of champagne hiding in Sinead's car! And while people often say we finish each other's sentences I can proudly say the proposal, which included the help of the hotel staff, completely caught Sinead off guard!"
He added that many customers only this week realised that himself and Deirdre are just good friends, and that she is still on the market!
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part of the new Summer in Killarney Festival.
A spell of fine weather provided ideal conditions for the open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, hosted in the National Park venue. Attendees gathered on the lawns ahead of the main feature, with a warm-up set supplied by a SPIN South West DJ.
Organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, the NPWS, and Heineken, the event formed part of a month-long summer festival programme designed for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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