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Jordan Lee to tell his story to the county’s schools

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4 years ago

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ON THE ROAD: Yvonne McMahon (Kelliher's Garage) Gillian Fitzgerald (Colaiste na Sceilge) Jordan Lee and Maurice Fitzgerald (Colaiste na Sceilge) with some of the students from the Cahersiveen school enjoying the first 'Jordan's Drive' talk.

Paralympian Jordan Lee will share his experiences with schools all over Kerry.

The Killarney man has embarked on a countywide tour 'Jordan's Drive' in association with Kelliher's Garage, a series of informal talks on his achievements and how he overcame his disability to reach the top of his chosen sport.

The 21-year-old was born with a foreshortened left arm known as amniotic band syndrome but has enjoyed a successful sports career which included representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.

Now he wants to share his story and inspire other students to follow their dreams.

His tour started last week at Colaiste na Sceilge in Cahersiveen and over the next few weeks, depending on his training schedule, will visit schools in Firies, Milltown, and Killarney.

“Don’t be afraid of people with disabilities or different backgrounds,” he said. “A few years ago there was only typical people in classrooms – you never came across people with disabilities or from various different countries. It is a lot more mixed now. I want to inspire people to treat everyone on the same level.”

'Jordan's Drive' is made possible thanks to his role as a brand ambassador for Kelliher’s Garage, dealer principal, Tim Kelliher explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

“Having got to know Jordan so well over the last couple of years we have come to realise how much of an inspiration he is so we decided to ask him to hop into his Toyota CHR Hybrid and bring his story out into the highways and byways of the Kingdom,” he said.

“Headlined ‘Jordans Drive’ and organised by my marketing team headed by Yvonne McMahon they have travelled to many of the schools around Kerry from Cahersiveen to Beaufort, Killorglin and with other dates planned for Firies and Milltown to name but a few. He has spoken his many words of wisdom to the children who have been in awe of the journey and his achievements, and we at Kelliher’s Garage are delighted and proud to have him as our brand ambassador.”

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Killarney coach Hayley Murphy wins Women of Vision Award

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11 hours ago

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7 June 2026

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Legacy Elite Head Coach Hayley Murphy was honoured at the Hi Style Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2026, held at the Garryvoe Hotel in County Cork recently.

The annual awards ceremony, hosted by Virgin Media’s Deric Ó hArtagáin, recognised 36 women from across Ireland for their talent, leadership, and positive impact within their local communities.

Ms Murphy, who coaches cheerleading and gymnastics in Killarney and throughout County Kerry, was selected as one of this year’s recipients.

“It was an honour to receive this award and celebrate with talented women from all over the country,” Ms Murphy said following the event. “It was an amazing experience.”

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Jessie Buckley named Kerry Association Dublin’s 2026 Arts Award winner

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12 hours ago

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7 June 2026

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Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Kerry Association in Dublin Arts Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Arts.

The 36-year-old made history in March 2026 by becoming the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet.

Her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare also earned her a clean sweep of major global accolades this year, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award, a Screen Actors Guild (Actor) Award, and an IFTA.

The Arts Award, established by the Kerry Association in Dublin to recognise excellence by individuals born or raised in the county, will be formally presented to Buckley in the near future.

Praise from the Kerry Association


Jimmy Deenihan, Chairperson of the Kerry Association in Dublin Arts Sub Committee, stated that the decision to grant the prestigious award to Buckley was unanimous following her historic awards season.


“This monumental achievement by Jessie comes as a major boost for the burgeoning Irish film industry and will inspire a new generation of Irish screen talent,” Mr Deenihan said. “In her acceptance speech, Jessie endeared herself to a global audience with her dignified humility and the love and pride she expressed in her family and her county.”


Jeremy Twomey, Chairperson of the Kerry Association in Dublin, described Buckley as a sensational, deeply talented woman who serves as an outstanding role model.


“She has done Kerry and Ireland proud,” Mr Twomey said. “This deeply talented, sensational woman can act in any capacity, guileless or knowing, reserved or uncontained, transmit glee, ecstasy, dread, fear or confusion. She brings her audiences with her and is an outstanding role model for the younger generation who look at her and aspire to access on the world stage.”
Brigid Laffan, President of the Kerry Association, noted the immense pride within the county regarding Buckley’s level-headedness throughout her international success, calling her work in Hamnet “nothing short of wonderful.”


In accepting the accolade, Jessie Buckley paid tribute to her roots in the Kingdom.
“Growing up in Kerry was a gift in recognising the capacity for beauty and wildness in our own human expression from the nature I grew up around,” Buckley said. “Thank you, this is a great honour to accept this award.”

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