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Kerry Stars help launch of Ablefest 2026

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Excitement is building in Killarney as Ablefest returns on Sunday from 12pm to 4pm at the St Patrick’s Festival Hub at Beech Road Carpark.

Now in its second year, the inclusive festival is set to be bigger, brighter and bursting with even more fun, laughter and community spirit.

Ablefest is all about celebrating inclusion and creating a welcoming space for people of all abilities, along with their families, friends and supporters.

For four fun-filled hours the hub will come alive with music, creativity and plenty of opportunities to dance, play and make memories together.

From toe-tapping tunes to hands-on activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the highlights will be live entertainment, including a headline performance from Jake Carter and his band.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a Silent Disco, drumming sessions, face painting, puppet shows and sensory-friendly spaces — ensuring that every visitor can join the fun in a way that suits them.

With so much happening, Ablefest promises magical moments around every corner and plenty of reasons to get into the festival groove.

The launch at Killarney Leisure Centre on Thursday was also a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Kerry Stars athletes who will represent the county at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Dublin this June.

Luke Scollard from Scartaglen takes part in athletics, therapeutic horse riding and swimming with the Kerry Stars.

At the Summer Games he will compete in the 4K Shot Put and the 200m run, where he’ll be hoping to really throw down the gauntlet and sprint for success.

Joe Buckley from Faha is involved in athletics, basketball and soccer with the club. Joe will be taking to the track and field in Dublin where he will compete in the 100m sprint and mini javelin — proving he’s ready to go the distance and make his mark.

Caoimhe Brosnan from Kilcummin participates in athletics, basketball, soccer and swimming with the Kerry Stars.

At the Summer Games she will compete in the 25m freestyle and 25m backstroke, where she will undoubtedly make a splash for Kerry.

Sophie Twiss from Miltown enjoys therapeutic horse riding and swimming with the Kerry Stars. Sophie will also be competing in swimming at the Summer Games, taking part in two events as she prepares to dive into the action in Dublin.

The launch event highlighted not only the upcoming festival but also the incredible talent, determination and team spirit of the Kerry Stars athletes.

Their achievements perfectly capture the heart of what Ablefest is all about - participation, celebration and making sure everyone has their moment to shine.

As the countdown begins, organisers are encouraging everyone to come along, soak up the atmosphere and join the celebration.

For more information, log onto the St Patrick's Day Festival website and click on Ablefest. 

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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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