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Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch continues to light the way
Making a splash during the Light House Project's wellbeing retreat at Loughdale Cottage are (from left) Lillie Brannock, Speaker Sinéad Buckley (TeenZone), Alanna Smith, Light House Project founder and Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch, Abbie Spooner, Ellie Murphy, leader Sophie Kehoe & Allie Malone . Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch with members of The Light House Project at JM Reidy's, whose generous hospitality treated the group to dinner before an evening of entertainment at Celtic Steps. Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
Leaders and Organisers of The LIght House Project Killarney trip, pictured at JM Reidys L-R Sophie Kehoe, Leticia Whelan, Founder Caoimhe Lynch & Anna O'Connor.
Photos and words by: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
There is a saying that a lighthouse never shines for itself. It stands as a beacon for others, offering hope, guidance and light when it is needed most. That sentiment could not describe this year's Kerry Rose, Caoimhe Lynch, any better.
As she prepares to represent the Kingdom at the Rose of Tralee this August, Caoimhe continues to prove that wearing the sash is about far more than appearances. Through The Light House Project, which she founded in 2024, she is quietly transforming lives, creating opportunities and reminding young people that someone believes in them.
The Light House Project was established with a simple but powerful mission – to spark a light in people. Working with young people from disadvantaged communities, the organisation provides recreational experiences and self-development opportunities that inspire confidence, resilience and hope.
That mission recently brought a group of students from Ballymun to Kerry for a special retreat in Caoimhe's native Beaufort. Staying with a family friend and supported by the incredible generosity of businesses and volunteers throughout Killarney, the trip offered the girls a chance to step away from everyday challenges and experience the warmth and welcome for which Kerry is renowned.
Their unforgettable few days included lunch at Manna Café, bike hire from O'Sullivan's Killarney Rent-A-Bike, a wellbeing session with Sinéad Buckley of TeenZone, a restorative lake dip and sauna experience at Loughdale Cottage, dinner at JM Reidy's courtesy of the Sheehan Group, and an evening enjoying the spectacular Celtic Steps show. Every contribution demonstrated the extraordinary community spirit that makes Kerry so special.
Anna O'Connor, who worked alongside Caoimhe to make the retreat possible, said: "I have known Caoimhe since primary school, and she has always put everyone else first. The work she does through The Light House Project is truly inspiring, and it is incredible to see the difference she makes in the lives of young people. Even while preparing for the Rose of Tralee, she continues to put others first. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving to represent Kerry."
Perhaps the greatest measure of Caoimhe's impact, however, comes from the young people themselves. One student simply said: "Caoimhe has been my favourite teacher I could ever ask for and she has always been supportive and caring towards me. Caoimhe believed in me during times when nobody else has."
Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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