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KBN to celebrate women in all spheres

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On International Women’s Day, KBN invites you to celebrate the achievements of women in all spheres of life. This year’s theme, Cultural Transformation, sets out to remind us that gender equality, inclusion and diversity remains a significant challenge, one that is hindering potential competitiveness, growth and prosperity. A lot of efforts and progress have been registered at regional, national and international levels towards achieving empowering women and elevating them politically, economically, socially, and culturally. In Kerry we look forward to a bright future with even more women in higher-wage jobs throughout high-growth sectors.

Our event, Cultural Transformation is comprised of a morning session of thought-provoking presentations held by inspirational women who are leaders in their field, followed by lunch in a dynamic networking environment.

One such leader is Orla Coughlan. Orla is member of the leadership team of 30% Club Ireland whose focus has become synonymous with building gender balance on boards. The 30% Club is working towards having women in 30% of key leadership positions by 2030. The club does not believe mandatory quotas are the right approach. Instead, it supports a voluntary approach in order to realise meaningful, sustainable change.

The event is open to all and not only highlighted by strong keynote speakers in the domains of women in business but also women changing the world in other spheres. Joanne O’Riordan, who will place emphasis on the need for inclusion, is a woman who spearheaded a campaign against cuts to disability which led to her appearance on RTÉ’s Late Late Show. Joanne is one of seven people suffering from a rare disease known as Tetra-amelia syndrome. The Irish Times described her TV appearance as "one of the guests on the show in recent years who has made the most impact on viewers". In 2012 Joanne received a standing ovation for her address to the United Nations on the use of technology, where she challenged those present to build a robot for her to use. Later her brother made a film on her life titled “No Limbs No Limits”.

Other speakers include Tammy Darcy, founder of the Shona Project. Shona has devoted her energies into ensuring that women and girls must have the tools they need to succeed. Sinéad Devlin from Belfast will cover the controversial topic of “Unconscious Bias”. The session investigates the unconscious feelings we have towards other people. Sinéad believes that unconscious feelings can play a strong part in influencing our judgement of certain people and groups, away from being balanced or even-handed in many different areas of life.

The morning aptly kicks off with Lisa Fingleton. Lisa is the Project Coordinator of Moving On, a new employment project for women in Kerry who wish to return to work. The project supports women through training, work experience and direct links with employers. Lisa has over 20 years experience in promoting equality and inclusion across all sectors.

MC for the event is Fiona Stack, General Manager of Kerry Radio and Fiona will also chair the panel discussion, which will allow delegates to engage with our guest speakers.

The event will be held in The Brehon Hotel in Killarney and starts at 9.30am with refreshments on arrival. Organisers and promoters of KBN say they are working diligently to encourage women to enter and succeed in the workforce while addressing the many barriers women still face in achieving economic success, including those that impede women’s access to capital, markets, and networking opportunities. Tickets for the event cost between €10 and €25 are available online at kbnwomensday.eventbrite.ie

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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