News
Joinery Jackpot – Co-workers from Munster Joinery scoop lotto win
A group of 14 co-workers from Munster Joinery in Cork has hit the jackpot, winning a whopping €500,000 in the EuroMillions Plus draw. The syndicate, led by their charismatic head Seamus Buckley, travelled to Dublin to collect their prize at the new National Lottery headquarters on 1 George’s Quay. The win on Friday, September 20th, marks their biggest success in 13 years of playing together, and each member will take home an impressive €35,714.
The syndicate, which consists of colleagues from both Cork and Kerry, has been consistently buying tickets for over a decade, pooling their money to play in the hopes of hitting the big time. They’ve had a series of smaller wins, racking up €8,000 in various EuroMillions draws over the past few months. But the win on September 20th was their most substantial prize yet, with their ticket in the EuroMillions Plus draw delivering the life-changing €500,000 jackpot.
Seamus, who has been managing the group’s entries, shared the excitement of their victory: “I’ve been collecting the money and buying our tickets at Kearney’s Centra in Ballydesmond for 13 years. The morning after the draw, I saw on social media that the shop had sold a winning ticket. Our group chat went into overdrive! Everyone was asking, could it be us? I went in to check, and the machine told me ‘You’ve won big, contact the National Lottery.’ That’s when I knew!”
Buckley admits that his fellow syndicate members were skeptical at first, unsure whether he was joking. “Some of them didn’t believe me at all,” he laughed. “I’ve a reputation as a bit of a joker, but I wouldn’t mess about with something like this – I’d be in trouble at work on Monday if I lied!”
The excitement of the win quickly spread throughout the local community, with friends, family, and neighbors pouring in with congratulations. After confirming their win, the group made sure to return to Kearney’s Centra, where the winning ticket was purchased, for a celebratory photo.
Despite the thrill of winning such a large sum, Seamus and the rest of the syndicate remain humble about their good fortune. “We’re all absolutely delighted,” he said, “but things went back to normal very quickly. There’s still plenty of work to be done at Munster Joinery!”
Local farms selected for new social farming respite programme
Several farms across the wider Killarney area have been selected to take part in Kerry Social Farming’s newly launched summer respite programme for people with disabilities
.
The initiative was officially opened by Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley at Patrick and Mary B Murphy’s dairy farm in Ballycarbery West, Cahirciveen. In total, the project provides up to 100 people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in hands-on farming experiences and supportive social outlets.
Among the initial intake, 15 participants are based in Killarney, two in Beaufort, and one each in Kilcummin and Glenflesk.
The scheme forms part of the HSE’s €5 million Summer Respite Initiative. Along with day-to-day farm activities, participants will enjoy group outings, including visits to agri-tourism enterprises, livestock marts, county fairs, and local scenic spots.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Foley said:
“It is an honour to launch this summer respite programme funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality via the HSE and delivered by Kerry Social Farming. This programme gives people with disabilities hands-on experience of the joys of being on a farm, supporting their wellbeing and enhancing their quality of life. Particular thanks to Joe McCrohan and the SKD team, Patrick and Mary B for their hospitality, all the host farmers and the participants themselves who bring such energy, enjoyment and fun to the programme.”
Minister Foley also praised the growth of Kerry Social Farming since its establishment 13 years ago, noting that the organisation expanded from delivering 76 social farming days in 2013 to 2,500 in 2025.
The launch was attended by Noel Spillane, Chief Executive of South Kerry Development Partnership; Joseph McCrohan, Manager of Kerry Social Farming; Eamon Horgan, Chair of the Kerry Social Farming working group; and Mary Keane, HSE Disability Client Services Manager for Kerry.
Killarney Racecourse launches first student race day
Killarney Racecourse has partnered with radio station SPIN South West to host Kerry’s biggest student race day this autumn.
The back-to-college event is scheduled for Monday, October 5, combining horse racing with live entertainment. SPIN South West will bring its SPIN House Party Stage to the venue, featuring performances from local DJs.
To accommodate attendees from across Munster, Killarney Racecourse will organise dedicated bus transport running directly from key locations across Kerry, Cork, and Limerick. Additionally, The Gleneagle Group has signed on as the official hospitality partner, offering accommodation options for visitors travelling to the event.
Chris Davies, Sales and Marketing Manager at Killarney Racecourse, confirmed that full details regarding ticket packages, transport schedules, and accommodation will be released in the coming weeks.
Local farms selected for new social farming respite programme
Local farms selected for new social farming respite programme Several farms across the wider Killarney area have been selected to...
Killarney Racecourse launches first student race day
Killarney Racecourse launches first student race day Killarney Racecourse has partnered with radio station SPIN South West to host Kerry’s...
MARIE MEETS From one little boy to a €250,000 legacy
MARIE MEETS From one little boy to a €250,000 legacy After 13 years, Brigitta Looney walked her son Ryan out...
Sarah Leahy selected for European Track and Field Championships
Sarah Leahy selected for European Track and Field Championships Star Killarney Valley AC international athlete Sarah Leahy has been selected...
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney — Chapter 6 A weekly series from Killarney Advertiser’s Jess Jukes Felicity followed Jack into the...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
