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Kev’s ultra challenge for Down Syndrome Kerry

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RUN FOR CHARITY: Ultra-Runner and charity fundraiser Kevin Leahy of the Black Sheep Hostel, Killarney will run 1000km in aid of Down Syndrome Kerry. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Ultra-Runner and charity fundraiser Kevin Leahy of the Black Sheep Hostel, Killarney, has set an arduous challenge to run 1000kms, stretching from the wilds of the Iveragh Peninsula to the frozen ice of Yukon Canada, in aid of Down Syndrome Kerry (DSK).

Kevin hopes to raise €10,000 for DSK which is a charity very close to his heart as his niece Emilie was born with the condition.

The first of Kevin’s three runs begins at sunrise on Saturday July 11, at the Bronze Age Wedge Tomb at Coomakista, Derrynane.

Kevin is also taking the honours to be the first ultra-runner to set the time of a new running challenge - ‘Ancient Warriors Trail’ a journey of endurance and self-discovery along the Iveragh Peninsula, Kerry Way, Cnoc na dTobar and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

120km of trails, completing this run with a customary “bang on the door for a Pint at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Gap of Dunloe that night.”

His second race is the spectacular annual Kerry Way Ultra - a 200km, non-stop endurance race on September 6 and 7, which traverses the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Iveragh Peninsula, along ancient trails and coastal cliffs.

Kevin is no stranger to harsh conditions; last year inspired by the greatest Kerry adventurer - Arctic explorer, Tom Crean - Kevin made world headlines by winning the famous Yukon 160km Arctic Ultramarathon!

His third and most daunting challenge in 2021 is the mammoth Yukon Arctic 700km Ultramarathon - a gruelling 10 day race of physical and mental adversity, with temperatures as low as -30°.

“This time I will be setting my sights on the mammoth Yukon Arctic 700km ultramarathon. To date, this will be by far my biggest running endeavour, requiring months of training, along with a tank load of mental and physical grit to get me across that frosty finish line. I hope that during this challenge, adversity will be my greatest teacher. A sincere thank you in advance for your support,” Kevin said.

To donate to Kevin’s amazing challenge via the following link: www.give.everydayhero.com: kevs-1000km-adversity-run-for-down-syndrome-kerry.

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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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