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Kerry Education and Training Board’s pioneering Parents Forum

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Kerry Education and Training Board recently held its fourth and final Parents Forum for the 2017/18 school year. Parents attending this forum are representing members from their respective parents councils. The forum was first established in 2006 to promote effective liaison and consultation between schools and parents and to promote the interest of the students in the eight ETB schools.

This year’s agenda covered areas such as the Kerry ETB Strategy, ICT advancements, physical education priorities, mental health awareness, new Junior Cycle curriculum developments and discussions on healthy eating and well-being. Of major interest was the feedback from the first online applied maths curriculum that was piloted in Kerry ETB Schools this year. This involved fifth year students undertaking online classes via Skype on Tuesdays from 6-8pm with professional teaching support delivered during Saturday classes hosted in the IT Tralee. This proposal came from the Parents Forum last year. Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools thanked the Parents Forum for suggesting this initiative and for generating new and pioneering ideas.

At the forum Jeremy Wrenn, Schools ICT Support Officer from Kerry ETB, introduced the new Junior Cycle ICT course that is planned for Kerry ETB schools in 2018/19. Its introduction is further proof of Kerry ETB’s commitment to giving it students the most up to date ICT skills that will ensure they are fully equipped with the relevant 21st century educational tools when they leave school after Leaving Certificate. The Parents Forum welcomed this new course and were also offered places on a Technology for Parents course that will be delivered free of charge by Kerry ETB in September.

At the conclusion of the Parents Forum the importance of parents coming together to share their ideas and experiences from their respective parents councils was reiterated, as was the necessity of parents having their voices and opinions heard by the Kerry ETB management.

Rosari O' Connor, Chairperson took the opportunity to sincerely thank David Musgrave (Killarney Community College), Helen O’Brien (Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí) and Cathy O’Donovan (Coláiste na Sceilge) for their outstanding service as their tenures on their parents councils have now come to an end. The agenda for the 2018/19 school was set with the forum looking forward to continuing its great work next year.

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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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