A Killarney resident has hit out at the local Municipal District following the mowing of roadside margins which were “teeming” with wildflowers.

Local man Niall Keogh contacted the Killarney Advertiser to express his frustration after council workers cleared green areas around the town earlier this week.

He argued that the timing of the work is devastating for the local bee population, particularly as dandelions serve as a vital early-season food source.

“These green areas were teeming with golden dandelions for the last week or so and now they’ve been decapitated,” Mr Keogh stated. “It’s obvious the powers that be have no understanding of the massive importance of the pollen and nectar-rich dandelions for our beleaguered pollinators.”

Mr Keogh pointed out that despite the Government declaring a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency in 2019, and the appointment of dedicated Biodiversity Officers, the practice of close-cropping roadside verges continues.

He noted that the recent cold and wet spring has made it even harder for bumblebees emerging from hibernation to find enough energy to survive.
“I wonder if this decision was taken in consultation with the Council’s Biodiversity Officer,” he added, highlighting a perceived disconnect between official environmental policy and the physical maintenance of the town’s green spaces.
The complaint comes at a time when the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has urged local authorities to “No Mow Until Late May” to allow native wildflowers to bloom and support declining insect species.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Do you agree with Mr Keogh? Should Killarney Municipal District leave the roadside margins to grow for the sake of biodiversity, or do you prefer the town to have a tidy, mown appearance?
Let us know your thoughts: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie

The third annual Streets of Killarney Five-Mile Road Race took place on Good Friday, firmly establishing itself as a premier event on the national athletics circuit.

Hosted by Killarney Valley Athletic Club (KVAC), the race saw 1,000 runners take to the town’s streets, with all available entry spots snapped up a full month before the starting gun.

The “fast and flat” course attracted a high-calibre field of elite athletes alongside hundreds of local amateur runners.

Oisin Murray of An Ríocht A.C. claimed the top spot in the men’s category with a time of 24:03, while Leevale A.C.’s Michelle Finn led the women’s field, crossing the finish line in 27:07.

A major highlight of the evening was the participation of official race ambassador and Canadian Paralympian Maddie Wilson-Walker.

A world-class double amputee who lives and trains in Killarney with KVAC, she completed the 5-mile course to a massive reception from the local crowd.

Following the race, she was formally honoured by the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, for her resilience and her impact on the local sporting community.

Jeremiah Griffin, Chairperson of Killarney Valley AC, praised the continued growth of the event.

He noted that the proceeds are vital for the ongoing development of the club’s athletics facility, ensuring it remains a top-class resource for both young and old in the area.

The event was blessed with calm and mild running weather, a fortunate break given that a Status Yellow weather warning and a severe storm hit the region less than 24 hours later.

Photos by:Olga Derevyanko

Streets of Killarney 5-Mile Results 2026
Top Male Finishers

1. Oisin Murray (An Ríocht A.C.)24:03
2. Jake O’Regan (St. John’s A.C.)24:12
3. Juan Peña (Raheny Shamrock A.C.)24:45
Top Female Finishers

1. Michelle Finn (Leevale A.C.)27:07
2. Amy Pollman Daamen (An Ríocht A.C.)28:22
3. Lily Riordan (Star of the Laune A.C.)28:26