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Killarney conference to turn spotlight on Brexit

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PLANS for a major new conference focusing on the prevailing political and economic issues and their impact on Ireland, the UK and the European Union have been revealed.

The Killarney Economic Conference will take place on January 12 and 13 next and, in its inaugural year, it will focus on Brexit, the challenges it poses for business, the legal issues that will arise, how it will shape future politics and the impact it will have on daily life.

The conference is poised to become an important annual dialogue involving economic, civic and political leaders from Britain and Ireland.

The line-up of speakers in the inaugural year includes Prof Ursula Kilkelly, Dean of Law at UCC and Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin, TD, who today launched the event along with one of the conference organisers, Dr William Sheehan.

Dr Sheehan, a military historian, author and lecturer and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Higher Education Academy, said the idea of the conference is to establish an annual forum at which senior management of civic and business organisations can meet, network and share and debate ideas and best practice. In addition, they will have the opportunity to listen to and question some of the leading political, academic and business leaders in Britain and Ireland.

“The conference is aimed at helping company directors and senior management understand how Britain and Ireland are evolving socially and economically and how to tailor the strategy of their organisations accordingly,” Dr Sheehan said.

“While our first conference is focused on Brexit, our goal is to develop an annual event that will continue to connect political, civic and business interests across Britain and Ireland in the years to come.”

The conference will open with a discussion on the legal implications of Brexit led by Dr Georges Baur, the Assistant Secretary General of the European Free Trade Association, Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor for European Constitutional and Economic Law at UCD and Prof Catherine Barnard, Professor in European Union Law and Employment Law at the University of Cambridge.

A discussion on how Brexit will shape future politics will be led by Deputy Micheál Martin, TD, and Simon Kingston, conference organiser and a member of the executive committee of the British-Irish Association.

The impact on business will be discussed by Mr Mark Kennedy, Managing Partner of Mazars Ireland, Prof Philip O’Regan, Dean of the Kemmy Business School at UL and independent financial analyst David Clarke.
Other key discussions will include the social and personal impacts of Brexit will be addressed by Prof Ursula Kilkelly, Dean of Law at UCC, Matthew O’Toole, the former Chief Press Officer at Number 10 Downing Street and Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane.

There will be a gala dinner at The Brehon on Friday, January 12, and the conference takes place on Saturday, January 13. For more information visit www.killarneyeconomicconference.com
 


 
Above: Dr William Sheehan, conference organiser; Prof Ursula Kilkelly, Dean of Law at UCC, and Micheál Martin TD, Fianna Fáil leader, at the launch of the inaugural Killarney Economic Conference. Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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