Connect with us

News

Kerry International Film Festival takes flight with Kerry Airport

Published

on

0208525_Airport_2.jpg

Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) have a new headline sponsor partnership with Kerry Airport.

Running for its 22nd year, the festival will take place October 14 – 17 this year and this new partnership has provided a significant boost for the festival.

A common goal of both Kerry Airport and KIFF is the promotion of Kerry on a global scale, and this has played a significant role in the development of this collaboration.

"The Kerry International Film Festival is a highlight of any calendar," CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said.

"The benevolent and lasting relationship between the arts and County Kerry is one which is acclaimed all over the globe, in particular, the film industry. Remember when Jimmy Stewarts’ Charles Lindbergh finally spots land, Skellig Michael and the Iveragh Peninsula, a historic event in aviation and experienced by us all through the wonders of film. Thus, how could Kerry Airport resist the opportunity to partner with KIFF and with them celebrate both renowned and emerging talent in their craft. We look forward to October with much anticipation.”

To celebrate Kerry Airport's invaluable support, KIFF have introduced The Kerry Airport Take Flight Award. This award will recognise up and coming new talent in the film industry and is a welcome addition to the festival's coveted awards, which also includes The Maureen O’Hara Award, The Best of Kerry award, The Best Irish Narrative Feature award, amongst others.

“The team at KIFF are very excited about the collaboration with Kerry Airport," Board Chairperson, Grace O’Donnell, speaking about the new partnership, said.

"We see this as a natural progressive partnership. For most of our visitors to the festival, stepping off the plane at Kerry Airport is their first taste of Kerry. Kerry Airport is the gateway to Kerry and we feel KIFF is the gateway to film in the county. We look forward to working with CEO of Kerry Airport John Mulhern along with his team at the airport to make KIFF one of the most important film festivals in the world and to continuously support Kerry as a destination."

Script writer and Kerry native, Ailbhe Keogan is also a board member of KIFF. Her latest script 'Joyride', featuring Oscar winning actress Olivia Coleman was recently filmed in Kerry this summer with some scenes being filmed in Kerry Airport.

“Personally, as a film-maker, I've been grateful to Kerry Airport for many years now," Ailbhe said. "I've travelled abroad to make important connections and brought these collaborators home to Kerry. Partnering with Kerry Airport enables KIFF to do likewise; to make meaningful connections with an international film community so that we can offer the richest festival we can.”

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

KIFF is going from strength to strength despite the challenges that came with COVID-19. Last year the festival went exclusively online due to the restrictions, and as a result KIFF gained over 17,000+ live streams throughout the four days of the festival. Additionally, KIFF is included in the top 100 film festivals in the world where it has gained a 5-star rating and they are Ireland’s fourth biggest festival. This year, KIFF 2021 were delighted to receive the highest number of submissions in the festival’s history.

Working hard alongside Cinema Killarney and several invaluable local businesses and sponsors, KIFF is hugely appreciative of the support and goodwill they receive from the people of Kerry and strive to deliver a state-of-the-art festival that supports and promotes both industry talent and local engagement.

KIFF’s new partnership with Kerry Airport has made a massive difference to the festival and they are looking forward to exciting times ahead. CEO of the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) and KIFF Board member said: “We have a wealth of creative talent here in Kerry and we want to ensure that they have every opportunity to grow and succeed internationally. The filmmaking industry in Ireland has become an important business for the Irish economy, KIFF and Kerry Airport can together showcase the filmmaking talent and stunning scenery our wonderful country has to offer."

Advertisement

News

Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins

Published

on

By

Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins


Motorists in Killarney are being urged to exercise extreme caution as the annual deer rutting season gets underway, causing animals to stray far beyond their usual habitats inside Killarney National Park.


The autumn mating season sees deer becoming highly active and unpredictable, leading to increased sightings and collisions on local roads outside traditional park boundaries.
Two separate incidents highlighted the growing hazard on local routes this week. A reader contacted the Killarney Advertiser to warn drivers after spotting a deer roaming near Tiernaboul towards the school on Sunday afternoon around 7.30pm.
Later that same night, in the early hours of Monday morning, a local driver collided with a deer near Kerry Airport around 1am while returning home from an event.
Despite attempting evasive action, the motorist struck the animal, which died at the scene and temporarily blocked the road before local Gardaí were alerted to clear the obstruction.
The driver sustained substantial vehicle damage, requiring repairs to the bumper, headlamp, and internal components, leaving her facing significant garage costs and time off the road.
Gardaí and road safety advocates advise motorists travelLing during early morning and late evening and remain vigilant along tree-lined routes.

Continue Reading

News

Kerry Airport CEO addresses chamber luncheon

Published

on

By

Kerry Airport chief executive Adrian Neilan addressed local business leaders at the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel.

Mr Neilan outlined the airport’s strategy, focusing on regional connectivity, customer experience, safety, and financial strength.

He noted that regional road, rail, and air links remain vital for residents, local businesses, and the tourism sector.


Addressing route development, Mr Neilan explained that airlines look closely at load factor alongside overall passenger volume.

In July, select Kerry routes achieved load factors of up to 99 per cent.

The airport currently has six confirmed meetings scheduled with prospective carriers to discuss further expansion.


Kerry Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025, handling 440,000 passengers.

Mr Neilan highlighted the importance of domestic and European connectivity for business, education, healthcare, and family travel, noting that attracting new services requires a collective effort between local hoteliers, transport operators, and regional businesses.


The luncheon also featured an address by Cllr Niall Kelleher, chairperson of Christmas in Killarney, who introduced the launch and updated branding for this year’s festival, urging the local community and trade sector to rally behind the event.
Photos: Eamonn Keogh

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport